Lagos govt, TBAs strengthen referral system to curb maternal, newborn deaths

Lagos State Government has called for stronger cooperation between Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, and healthcare workers as it seeks to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the state.

A statement by the state government said the call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr Monsurat Adeleke, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, Ibeju.

Adeleke disclosed that TBA services recorded a decline between January and July 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

According to her, new antenatal registrations among TBAs dropped by 31.9 per cent, from 1,594 in 2025 to 1,085 in 2026.

She added that old registrations also fell from 3,152 to 1,901, while deliveries conducted by TBAs declined by 36 per cent, from 1,308 to 837.

Adeleke said the stakeholders’ meeting was organised to determine whether the decline meant more women were now using health facilities or whether some were avoiding healthcare services.

She also acknowledged the level of trust some women have in TBAs, urging them to ensure that women with serious pregnancy and childbirth complications are referred to health facilities without delay.

She listed heavy bleeding, prolonged labour, high blood pressure and convulsions among the danger signs requiring prompt referral.

The Permanent Secretary also urged healthcare workers to receive referred patients properly and maintain communication with TBAs.

She expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between TBAs and healthcare workers would help reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths in communities across Lagos.

According to Adeleke, the Lagos State Government is also working with the Federal Government and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on the MAAMI programme.

She explained that the programme is designed to ensure that women in labour are transported to health facilities without unnecessary delay.

Adeleke further reminded residents that the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) operates 24 hours a day and can be reached through the emergency number.

“I want us to always bear in mind that behind every referral is a woman, a baby and a family,” Adeleke said.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Sesan Olowa, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its continued support for TBAs.

Olowa said the support was important in helping the attendants provide quality services.

He also urged TBAs to promptly refer cases that were beyond their capacity and do their best to prevent maternal and child deaths.