Abia Trad Birth Attendants Get Safe Childbirth Training

The Training Initiative

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a step towards improving maternal and newborn health in Abia State by training traditional birth attendants in safe pregnancy practices and childbirth management. The training, which focused on evidence-based practices, cultural sensitivity, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and improved maternal and newborn care, targeted over 150 traditional birth attendants from the six local government areas of Abia South Senatorial District.

The Key Players

The NDDC's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Mrs Dare Olokor Kwame, emphasized that the initiative was designed to equip traditional birth attendants with the knowledge and skills required to promote safer pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and financial preparedness during pregnancy. Chief Ogbuku noted that traditional birth attendants play important roles as community-based caregivers, particularly in areas where access to formal healthcare services is limited. This underscores the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities.

What the Training Entailed

The training covered a wide range of topics, including safe delivery practices, maternal health education, newborn care, and early detection of pregnancy-related complications. The training also emphasized the importance of working under clean and safe environments. Traditional birth attendants were taught how to monitor maternal and child health, promote proper nutrition and hygiene, identify pregnancy warning signs, and prepare expectant mothers physically and mentally for delivery.

The Guest Lecturer's Insight

Dr Jude Okpani, one of the guest lecturers, noted that many childbirths still take place in rural communities where access to hospitals remains a challenge. He highlighted the importance of adequate knowledge, access to antenatal care, and safe delivery practices in determining pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Okpani also advised pregnant women to make financial preparations for childbirth, pointing out that some avoid hospitals due to concerns over medical expenses.

The Training Outcome

The NDDC's training initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of traditional birth attendants, equipping them to become role models who can train and retrain others under their care. Chief Ogbuku stressed that the NDDC is not against traditional birth attendants but seeks to improve their capacity and ensure they adopt safer practices. This underscores the organization's commitment to supporting community-based healthcare initiatives.

The Nigerian Context

Rural communities in Nigeria face significant challenges in accessing formal healthcare services, making traditional birth attendants crucial in ensuring maternal and newborn health. The NDDC's training initiative is a step towards addressing these challenges and promoting safer childbirth practices in Abia State.

> "We are not against traditional birth attendants;

we are here to strengthen them. We have educated them to practise only in clean environments and avoid harmful practices. They save lives where there are no doctors. Even doctors are not against them because many people were delivered by traditional birth attendants. Today, they have been trained to become role models who can train and retrain others working under them," Chief Ogbuku said.