Epe Local Government, FMC Epe Engage Traditional Birth Attendants on Maternal Health
Epe Insights reports that Epe Local Government, in collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, has organized a stakeholders’ engagement and sensitization programme for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as part of efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare services across Epe Division.
The engagement was held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat and brought together Traditional Birth Attendants from different communities within the division.
The programme focused on strengthening collaboration between traditional birth attendants and professional healthcare providers to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Participants were educated on the critical role TBAs play in supporting maternal healthcare at the grassroots level.
Healthcare experts at the event stressed the need for closer cooperation between traditional caregivers and formal medical institutions.
Speaking during the engagement, Professor Disu of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Consultant with the Abiye Project highlighted the growing concern over neonatal mortality in Nigeria.
She noted that Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of global neonatal deaths and emphasized the importance of adopting safe delivery practices.
Professor Disu urged Traditional Birth Attendants to prioritize proper hygiene, especially handwashing, during delivery procedures.
She also encouraged participants to identify danger signs in newborns early and seek immediate medical intervention whenever necessary.
According to her, prompt referrals and professional care remain critical to improving child survival rates and reducing avoidable deaths.
Also addressing the gathering, the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at FMC Epe, Dr. Sekumade, spoke extensively on pregnancy-related risks and maternal health complications.
He educated participants on common danger signs during pregnancy and the importance of referring high-risk cases to healthcare facilities without delay.
Dr. Sekumade explained that delays in seeking or receiving medical care often contribute to preventable maternal complications and fatalities.
He stressed that timely referrals can save lives and improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The Medical Officer of Health for Epe Local Government, Dr. Awolesi, also emphasized the importance of a coordinated healthcare system.
He described the health sector as a unified structure designed to meet the needs of every member of the community.
According to him, stronger collaboration between Primary Health Care facilities and Traditional Birth Attendants is essential for delivering effective healthcare services.
He encouraged participants to see themselves as partners in a broader healthcare network working toward the same objective of protecting lives.
The engagement provided an opportunity for dialogue between healthcare professionals and traditional birth attendants on challenges affecting maternal and child health within local communities.
Participants were encouraged to embrace modern healthcare practices while maintaining their supportive roles within their communities.
Stakeholders at the event commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that could improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
They noted that empowering Traditional Birth Attendants with the right knowledge would strengthen referral systems and promote safer childbirth practices.
Epe Insights notes that maternal and child healthcare remains a key area of focus for health authorities across Lagos State.
Experts continue to advocate stronger partnerships between community-based caregivers and healthcare institutions to reduce preventable deaths.
The programme concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to work together in promoting safer pregnancies, healthier births, and improved healthcare outcomes across Epe Division.
Participants expressed optimism that sustained collaboration and continuous education would contribute significantly to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality within the region.
