REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State Government is to forge greater collaboration with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the state to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the area.
The partnership formed part of a strategic meeting between Traditional Birth Attendants and the State Ministry of Health in Awka .
The government will preparatory to the collaboration, identify, register, and document qualified traditional birth attendants in the twenty one local government areas of the state who met approved standards to continue their practice.
Aside this, it will also ensure continuous training and retraining programmes for the traditional birth attendants, ensure constant supervision of their operations and strict enforcement of regulations on TBAs practices.
Speaking during the meeting ,the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said that the initiative would enhance patient referrals, guarantee timely medical intervention whenever complications arise during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum periods.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a more productive relationship with TBAs across Anambra State
Dr. Obidike further disclosed plans to link every TBA to a specific Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) or hospital for seamless referrals while clarifying that the government’s intention is not to punish or discourage them but to ensure they aligning with approved standards.
In a remark, the Director of Medical Services,in the state Ministry of Health,Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, described the meeting as a vital step towards uniting all stakeholders for improved healthcare delivery emphasizing that every player has a role in safeguarding the lives of mothers and children.
Dr. Chukwulobelu revealed that out of the 407 registered maternity homes in the state , only 78 have renewed their registrations while out of 31 registered nursing homes, only three have renewed their licence.
Some Traditional Birth Attendants at the meeting expressed gratitude on the plan by the government to strengthen collaboration with them.
