Senator Neda Imasuen Advocates Maternal Health Advancement Through Traditional Birth Attendants Training

From Moshood Karim

In a bid to bolster maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Edo State, Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, spearheaded a three-day training programme for traditional birth attendants from Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas.

The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City, underscored the critical role of traditional birth attendants, particularly in underserved rural communities. 

 

The initiative, championed by Senator Imasuen, sought to impart essential skills for safer delivery practices while advocating for prompt hospital referrals in cases of complications. Addressing participants, the senator emphasised the need for caution during childbirth to mitigate risks for mothers and newborns. 

 

“The safety of mothers and their babies lies at the heart of this training,” Senator Imasuen stated, while highlighting plans to make such capacity-building programmes a continuous effort. He urged the Primary Health Care Development Agency to prioritise partnerships with traditional birth attendants to sustain the initiative. 

 

Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Commissioner for Health, also addressed the gathering, stressing the significance of traditional birth attendants in rural healthcare delivery.

“Your role as traditional birth attendants is indispensable, especially in areas where access to modern medical facilities remains a challenge. By acquiring these skills, you contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates,” he said. 

 

The training featured insights from guest speaker Dr. Marveson Ima Obasogie, Director of Primary Health Care in Edo State, who acknowledged traditional birth attendants as frontline responders in many communities. He called for greater governmental support to enhance their contributions to maternal healthcare. 

 

With the theme “Role of Traditional Birth Attendants in Early Pregnancy Care and Referral Mechanisms,” the programme covered vital topics such as early pregnancy monitoring, risk management, and the importance of timely referrals to medical facilities. 

 

The initiative, applauded by participants, is anticipated to have a ripple effect on improving maternal health outcomes in Edo’s rural regions, reinforcing Senator Imasuen’s commitment to holistic healthcare advancement.