Maternal mortality is a neglected tragedy that has been described as the greatest health scandal of our time1. Estimates of up to and more than 1000 per 100,000 live births have been reported in many developing countries, Nigeria being among the countries with highest maternal mortality rates in the world. The obstetrical causes of maternal mortality are well documented, and these are largely preventable. There also social/cultural factors that significantly contribute to maternal mortality, including lack of health facilities that provide emergency obstetrics care services2.

All over the world, including Nigeria, efforts are being made to reduce maternal mortality. One of the most beneficial strategies is increasing the awareness of the population on the issues of maternal mortality, the most notable of which is to raise awareness among women on the causes of maternal mortality. This may result in modifying the health seeking behaviour of women, and ultimately reduces the high maternal mortality rates in this country. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness of women on maternal mortality, its causes and let them to propose solutions to the plight of maternal mortality. . Fathalla MF. (2001). Imagine a world where motherhood is safe for all women-you can make it happen. Int J Obstet Gynecol; 72: 207-213 2. Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria. Available at: http://fomwan. org (accessed October 30, 2011). 3. Igberese GO, Isah EC, Igbekoyi OF. (2009). Awareness and perception of maternal mortality among women in a semi-urban community in Niger delta region of Nigeria. Ann Afr Med: 8; 261-265 4. Kawuwa MB, Mairiga AG, Usman HA. (2007) Community perspective of maternal mortality: experience from Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria.

Ann Afr Med: 6; 109-114 5. Harrison KA. (1997) Maternal mortality in Nigeria: the real issues. Afr J Reprod Health: 1;7-13 6. Ijadunola KT, Fatusi AO, Orji EO, Adeyemi AB, et al (2007). Unavailability of Essential Obstetric Care Services in a Local Government Area of South-West Nigeria. J Health Popul Nutr; 25(1): 94-100 [Online]. Available at: http://linkinghub. elsevier. com/retrieve/pii/S0020729207004936 Accessed on 26/5/2009 7. Fatusi AO, Ijadunola KT (2003) Report on the National Study on Essential Obstetrics Care in Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria