Abuja: The Rotary Club of Lagos Royale on Wednesday sensitised Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Faith-Based Birth Attendants (FBAs) at the grassroots level to reduce maternal casualties during childbirth. Dr Bountiful Adelanwa, the Charter President of the club, stated that the initiative, conducted at the Orile Agege Primary Health Centre in Lagos, aimed to decrease the number of maternal deaths during childbirth.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Bountiful Adelanwa emphasized the club’s commitment to serving its immediate community by engaging with local health centres and maternal homes. She noted that the club had previously donated gifts to pregnant women and new mothers, but this edition focused on addressing the prevalent preference for TBAs and FBAs among the indigenous population. The club’s strategy involved partnering with registered TBAs and FBAs to ensure better maternal outcomes.
Dr Adelanwa highlighted the under-reporting of maternal childbirth cases at the local government level and stressed the importance of closing the knowledge gap through sensitisation programmes. The club, with its team of medical doctors, is retraining birth attendants on proper labour management and the critical need to refer patients when necessary during childbirth.
Mr Jimi Ajibola, Assistant Governor of the Rotary Club of Lagos Royale, underlined the necessity of empowering and enlightening birth attendants due to their widespread acceptance in the community. Dr Kolawole Ashoro, a Rotarian and Medical Director of Medwin Hospital, advised attendants to be meticulous when admitting pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of reviewing medical histories to avoid complications.
Dr Abolanle Ategbero, a Resident Doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at LASUTH, praised the Rotary Club’s efforts, noting the challenges posed by mismanagement of cases by TBAs. She stressed the need for educational sessions to reinforce the attendants’ knowledge and dispel trial-and-error approaches in childbirth.
Traditional Birth Attendant Mr Akinpelu Balogun acknowledged the training provided within their tradition but appreciated the enlightenment session for highlighting challenges encountered during maternal care and labour. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Rotary Club of Lagos Royale donated hospital materials, bedspreads, and other items to enhance the services provided by the participants.