“Fathers ate sour grapes, but children's teeth hurt”: Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) impact on Maternal Healthcare in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria, 1986-1989

Abstract

This study examines the effects of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) on maternal health in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria, with a focus on access, quality, and affordability of care. Implemented under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, SAP policies included cuts in government spending, privatization, and market liberalization, which led to the reduction of healthcare funding. Using archival data, interviews, and health statistics, this research reveals that SAP's austerity measures limited healthcare access and strained resources, disproportionately affecting maternal health outcomes. The paper adopts the qualitative research method. Data for the study was collected from both the primary and secondary sources. The primary sources included oral interviews, secondary sources included newspaper, books, journals and newspaper. Findings indicate that these reforms disrupted service delivery, increased costs for families, and widened health disparities, contributing to higher maternal mortality rates and compromised healthcare quality. This study underscores the need for economic policies that consider public health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations, and highlights the lasting impact of SAP on Nigeria's maternal healthcare system.