Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South
Senatorial District, has emphasized the importance of traditional birth
attendants exercising caution during deliveries to minimize risks 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 at the NUJ Press Centre in
Benin City.
The training, organized at the instance of Senator
Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, is designed to equip
traditional birth attendants with critical skills for safe delivery practices,
with the theme – “Training of Traditional Birth Attendants in Early Pregnancy
Care and the Referral Mechanisms.”
The 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 program 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.
Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Commissioner for
Health underscored the vital role 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 all 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 specialized
healthcare services.
“It is, therefore, essential to bridge the gap between
traditional and modern healthcare systems.
“This program 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.
“Promoting Early Detection by recognizing early
warning signs of complications, TBAs can play a vital role in preventing
emergencies and improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
“Also Strengthening Referral Mechanisms, Timely
referrals save lives. This training will enhance your understanding of referral
protocols and how to work seamlessly with health facilities to ensure pregnant
women receive the care they need.” Oshiomhole stated.
Guest speaker Dr. Marveson Ima Obasogie, Director of
Primary Health Care in Edo State, highlighted the importance of government
support for traditional birth attendants, and recognizes them as first
responders in many cases.
The training program, themed ‘Role of Traditional
Birth Attendants in Early Pregnancy Care and Referral Mechanisms’, focused on
enhancing the participants’ understanding of early pregnancy care and the
importance of timely hospital referrals.
The Senator Neda Imasuen initiative is expected to
improve maternal health outcomes in rural communities across Edo Edo South
Senatorial District.
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