Twin births are rising, especially in Nigeria

More twins are being born around the world, especially in low-income countries. However, many mothers do not receive the medical care they need to ensure safe pregnancies. This issue is particularly urgent in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where healthcare is often limited. Susie Lee, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany, noted the importance of ensuring that twins survive their early years as often as single children do. Her recent study found that twin births are increasing in low-income countries due to population growth. In Nigeria, the rate of twin births is higher than the global average, with expectations for the population to almost double by 2050. Pregnancies with twins require more medical attention, yet many women in rural areas lack access to healthcare. This raises risks for both mothers and their babies. Data shows that about three out of every 100 pregnancies in Nigeria are twins, while one in five twins in Sub-Saharan Africa dies before reaching age five. Ultrasound examinations are crucial for identifying twin pregnancies, but many women still do not receive this basic care. Christiaan Monden, a sociologist from Oxford University, emphasized the need for improved access to such services. Many hospitals do not have electricity, which further limits the use of ultrasound technology. Researchers Lee and Kieron Barclay called for increased public health efforts to support families with twins in low-income countries. They highlighted that twins are at risk of developmental issues and health challenges. Innovative technologies could help improve healthcare access. Portable ultrasound machines could allow midwives in rural areas to detect twin pregnancies more easily. Artificial intelligence may also assist local staff in interpreting ultrasound scans, making it quicker and more accurate. While these technologies are not widely available yet, there is hope for better healthcare for pregnant women in the future. Monden expressed a desire to see all women receive necessary scans and medical support during pregnancy, reducing the risks associated with twin births.