‘The children are not safe here’: the Nigerian couple fighting infanticide | Childbirth
In remote communities on the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital, long‑standing beliefs that certain newborns bring misfortune have led to the burial of infants alongside their mothers, a practice that endangers both child and maternal health.
What happened
Esther Stevens was born in 2007 in a village near Abuja. When her mother died in childbirth, villagers deemed the baby cursed and prepared to tie her to the mother’s body for burial. A local missionary intervened, appealed to the traditional priest, and rescued the infant, taking her to a children’s home in Abuja run by Christian missionaries Olusola and Chinwe Stevens.
The Stevens founded the Vine Heritage Home Foundation in 2004 after discovering that children were being poisoned, abandoned, or buried alive. Today the home shelters more than 200 children, ranging from newborns to young adults, many of whom arrived weakened by poisoning or severe malnutrition.
Why it matters
These practices intersect with Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates. The United Nations reports that Nigeria is “the most dangerous country in the world to give birth,” with one in every 100 women dying during childbirth or shortly after (UN data, 2023). When mothers die, infants are left vulnerable to cultural rituals that can result in fatal outcomes.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, surviving children often face long‑term health challenges, including chronic malnutrition, physical disabilities, and psychological trauma. The home’s 18‑person staff provide round‑the‑clock medical care, yet limited resources and Nigeria’s soaring inflation threaten the sustainability of these services.
What may happen next
If donor fatigue continues amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, the home could face shortages of medication, food, and staff, potentially limiting its capacity to treat newly rescued infants. Conversely, increased visibility of the issue may attract additional international support, allowing the home to expand its medical facilities and training programs.
Policy‑makers might also be prompted to strengthen enforcement of existing laws against infanticide, especially if community‑based advocacy—such as the radio‑driven committees organized by ActionAid—demonstrates measurable reductions in child killings. Continued collaboration with religious leaders, who have already intervened in rescue cases, could further embed protective practices within local cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the practice of infanticide described in these Nigerian communities?
It is a traditional belief that certain newborns—such as twins, children with albinism, or those born after a mother’s death—bring misfortune. Communities may tie the infant to the deceased mother’s body and bury them together, or otherwise kill the child by poisoning or abandonment.
How many children does Vine Heritage Home currently care for?
The home provides refuge for more than 200 children, ranging from newborns to young adults, with 182 of them enrolled in school.
What health challenges do rescued children typically face?
Many arrive weakened by poisoning or severe malnutrition and require urgent medical attention. They also contend with limited access to clean water, electricity, and consistent healthcare in the surrounding rural areas.
How can readers help ensure that vulnerable children like those at Vine Heritage receive the care they need?