ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF BANDITRY ON ACCESS TO MATERNAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG THE WOMEN IN GUSAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT ZAMFARA STATE

Insecurity has become a significant barrier to accessing maternal health services in rural communities of Zamfara State, Nigeria. This study investigates the impact of insecurity—particularly banditry, kidnappings, and roadblocks—on the availability, accessibility, and utilization of maternal healthcare services by women of reproductive age. The research employs both primary and secondary data sources, including surveys and existing literature, to assess how fear of violence, facility closures, and the displacement of healthcare workers have disrupted maternal healthcare delivery. Findings indicate that widespread insecurity has led to the shutdown of numerous health facilities, forcing pregnant women to travel long distances or forgo essential maternal health services. Many women report delayed or denied care due to security threats, while healthcare workers have fled unsafe areas, worsening the shortage of skilled birth attendants. Socio-economic challenges, including poverty and the high cost of transportation due to insecurity, further exacerbate these issues. Additionally, cultural and traditional practices continue to shape healthcare-seeking behavior, with some women relying on unskilled birth attendants as an alternative to formal healthcare services. The study concludes that urgent interventions are needed to address the maternal health crisis in conflict-affected regions. Recommendations include improving security around healthcare facilities, deploying mobile health services, increasing community-based health education, and implementing financial support programs for maternal care. Addressing these challenges is critical for reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring that women in rural Zamfara State have safe and equitable access to maternal health services.