The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Delta State through a specialised training programme for traditional birth attendants (TBAs) on safer delivery practices.
The initiative, organised in partnership with Menuchimso Resources Nigeria Limited (MRNL), brought together traditional birth attendants from various parts of the state for a one-day capacity-building programme held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Asaba.
Medical experts at the training equipped participants with improved knowledge on pregnancy care, safe childbirth methods, newborn management, hygiene practices and the early detection of complications requiring hospital attention.
Representing the Delta State Director of NDDC, Engr. Omohudoye Joseph Onoriode, the Principal Manager of Education, Health and Social Services, Mr Precious Peter Okali, said the programme was aimed at strengthening the capacity of TBAs who remain vital healthcare providers in many rural communities.
Okali acknowledged that many traditional birth attendants had acquired years of practical experience but noted that some required additional exposure to modern maternal healthcare procedures.
He explained that the training would help attendants identify danger signs during pregnancy and childbirth, improve referral systems and promote stronger cooperation between traditional caregivers and medical professionals.
According to him, participants were carefully selected from different local government areas of Delta State to ensure wider impact and reduce preventable maternal and child deaths.
A Staff Nurse/Midwife at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Mrs Nnanna Anurika Precious, described the initiative as timely, stressing that many women in rural areas still rely on TBAs due to challenges accessing healthcare facilities.
She said the training covered essential areas including antenatal care, childbirth procedures and newborn care, adding that better-informed TBAs would be able to provide safer services to mothers and babies within their communities.
Also speaking, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at FMC Asaba, Dr Lucia Okeke, clarified that the programme was not designed to eliminate traditional birth practices but to make them safer through improved knowledge and collaboration with hospitals.
She urged TBAs to recognise warning signs early and ensure immediate referral of women with complications, noting that many maternal deaths could be prevented through timely medical intervention.
The Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at FMC Asaba, Dr Sunday Jombo, described traditional birth attendants as important community partners because of the trust they enjoy among pregnant women.
Jombo said participants were trained to identify critical danger signs, including excessive bleeding, severe headaches, fever, reduced fetal movement and complications after delivery.
He encouraged the attendants to adopt basic medical monitoring tools such as digital blood pressure machines and blood-loss measurement devices to improve the quality of maternal care they provide.
A Registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr Emeuazia Wisdom, highlighted the importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards during pregnancy and childbirth.
He said the participants were trained on proper handwashing techniques, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilisation of delivery instruments and infection prevention measures.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity to improve their skills and provide better care to expectant mothers.
Mr Peter Ozobira, one of the participants, said the training expanded his knowledge of maternal healthcare and would encourage him to promote antenatal visits, ultrasound scans and regular medical check-ups among pregnant women.
Another participant, Mrs Obidike Gloria, said she gained practical knowledge on hygiene, PPE usage, identifying childbirth complications and knowing when to refer patients to hospitals.
She added that the training also improved their ability to educate pregnant women on nutrition, antenatal care and proper preparation for delivery, describing the initiative as impactful and beneficial.
The NDDC programme is expected to strengthen community-based maternal healthcare services and contribute to reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns across Delta State.
