FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, has emphasized the need for Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, to exercise caution during deliveries to minimise risk to mothers and newborns.
The senator made this statement at a three-day training session for traditional birth attendants from Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas of Edo State, held in Benin City.
The training, organised at the instance of Senator Imasuen, is aimed at equipping traditional birth attendants with critical skills for safe delivery practices.
It has as theme , “Training of Traditional Birth Attendants in Early Pregnancy Care and the Referral Mechanisms,”
Participants were urged to promptly refer patients to hospitals in cases of complications in order to save the life of the baby and the mother.
Imasuen noted that the training would be continuous and called on the Primary Health Care Development Agency to play a significant role in sustaining such initiatives. He encouraged participants to pay close attention to the lessons and apply the knowledge in their practice.
Commissioner for Health, Cyril Adams Oshiomhole underscored the vital role that traditional birth attendants play, particularly in rural areas with limited access to medical facilities. He emphasized the need for them to acquire modern skills to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Oshiomhole, who emphasised the role of traditional birth attendants, said, “they are trusted members of their communities. Women and their families turn to you for support, guidance and care during one of the most important periods of their lives. This trust makes you not just caregivers, but also pillars of maternal health at the grassroots level.
“However, we are aware that the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes exceed the resources available to TBAs. Complications such as severe bleeding, infections and hypertension require swift and effective referral to more specialised healthcare services. It is, therefore, essential to bridge the gap between traditional and modern healthcare systems.
“This programme will equip you with the skills to provide pregnant women with accurate information about early pregnancy care, nutrition, danger signs and the importance of regular antenatal visits”.
The guest speaker and Director of Primary Health Care in Edo State, Dr Marveson Obasogie, highlighted the importance of government’s support for traditional birth attendants, recognising them as first responders in many cases.
The training programme focused on enhancing participants understanding of early pregnancy care and the importance of timely hospital referrals.
The initiative is expected to improve maternal health outcomes in rural communities across Edo State.
