Edo lawmaker trains birth attendants on safe deliveries - Punch Newspapers

More than 120 traditional birth attendants have received training on safer delivery practices, pregnancy danger signs and prompt referral of complicated cases to healthcare facilities in Edo South Senatorial District. The second phase of the training, facilitated by the senator representing the district, Neda Imasuen, ended on Friday in Benin. The programme was organised in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare. It was themed, “Strengthening the Knowledge and Skills of Traditional Birth Attendants for Safer Motherhood and Newborn Care.” The training provided participants with practical knowledge on safe delivery methods, early pregnancy care, identification of danger signs and prompt referral of complicated cases to hospitals and approved healthcare facilities. Representing Imasuen at the programme, his Senior Legislative Aide, Dr Hassan Lumumba Okundia, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between traditional birth attendants and orthodox medical practitioners. He said the training would improve the knowledge and skills of the attendants while creating an avenue for them to share experiences, gain new knowledge and build stronger networks across Edo South. “The essence of this training for the over 120 participants is to bridge the gap between traditional birth attendants and orthodox medical practitioners as well as improve their knowledge and skills to ensure safe motherhood and newborn care,” he said. He added that the programme would help the beneficiaries understand when to provide care and, more importantly, when cases required immediate referral to qualified medical personnel. In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Orobosa Eriamiantoe, commended Imasuen for facilitating the programme for the benefit of residents of Edo South. He described the initiative as timely, stressing that concerted efforts were needed to improve maternal and newborn health, particularly in rural and underserved communities. “Traditional Birth Attendants occupy an important position in many of our communities. You are often trusted by pregnant women and their families, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Because of this, your actions and decisions can significantly influence the safety and wellbeing of mothers and newborn babies. This is why training such as this is extremely important,” he added. FCT sets up task force to curb maternal deaths Over 100 Edo residents benefit from free medical outreach Edo unveils plans for 2026 carnival, targets economic growth Birth attendants at the training on safe deliveries Speaking during the training, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Coulson Osoikhia, urged the TBAs to immediately refer pregnant women to professional doctors or approved medical centres whenever they identify complications. Osoikhia, who delivered a lecture titled, “Understanding Pregnancy: Normal Pregnancy, Danger Signs and High-Risk Pregnancy,” said recognising danger signs early could make the difference between life and death. “You must recognise the points of danger signs that you need to refer the patient to other facilities. We are here today to guide and work together with you. We are not here to scare you or relegate any of your members. We are here to strengthen you to ensure you do what is right, so that we don’t lose our patients in cold hands,” he said. He disclosed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had made free antenatal care available to pregnant women, urging the participants to refer expectant mothers to designated healthcare facilities. Also speaking, Dr Gideon Iroaya, who delivered a lecture on “Nutrition During Pregnancy and Prevention of Anaemia,” emphasised the importance of balanced diets and adequate intake of clean water during pregnancy. The Reproductive Health Supervisor for Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Mrs Joy Ogiemwonyi, identified early antenatal booking, recognition of danger signs and prompt referral as some of the critical responsibilities of TBAs. She also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy working relationship with healthcare providers within their localities. The Medical Officer of Health, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Dr Osazee Ezomo, spoke on the importance of birth preparedness and financial readiness to deal with possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The participants, drawn from Orhionmwon and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas, commended Imasuen for the initiative. One of the participants, Mrs Blessing Okoro, thanked the senator for organising the programme, saying the training had significantly improved her understanding of maternal healthcare and referral procedures. “I want to thank the lawmaker for this invaluable training. I have learned a lot from this programme and will put the knowledge to good use,” she said. The highlight of the training was the presentation of certificates to the participants. Adeyinka Adedipe

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