Senator Neda Imasuen has concluded the second phase of training for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Edo South Senatorial District, as part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare and reduce preventable deaths.
The three-day training, which began on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, ended on Friday, September 11, in Benin City.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, was themed, “Strengthening the Knowledge and Skills of Traditional Birth Attendants for Safer Motherhood and Newborn Care.”
The training provided participants with practical knowledge on safe delivery methods, early pregnancy care, identification of danger signs and prompt referral of complicated cases to hospitals and approved healthcare facilities.
Representing Senator Imasuen at the programme, his Senior Legislative Aide, Dr Hassan Lumumba Okundia, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between Traditional Birth Attendants and orthodox medical practitioners.
He said the training would improve the knowledge and skills of TBAs while creating an avenue for them to share experiences, gain new knowledge and build stronger networks across Edo South.
According to Okundia, more than 120 women participated in the training.
“The essence of this training is to bridge the gap between Traditional Birth Attendants and orthodox medical practitioners and improve their knowledge and skills to ensure safe motherhood and newborn care,” he said.
He added that the programme would help TBAs understand when they could provide care and, more importantly, when cases required immediate referral to qualified medical personnel.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Orobosa Christopher Eriamiantoe, commended Senator Imasuen for facilitating the programme for the benefit of the people of Edo South.
He described the initiative as timely, stressing that concerted efforts were needed to improve maternal and newborn health, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“This programme is a commendable initiative coming at a time when we must continue to strengthen our efforts towards improving maternal and newborn health in our communities,” he said.
Eriamiantoe said childbirth should be a moment of joy rather than sorrow, noting that maternal and newborn deaths remained a major public health concern, especially in communities where women have limited access to skilled health professionals and essential emergency obstetric services.
He acknowledged the important role played by Traditional Birth Attendants in many communities, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where they are often trusted by pregnant women and their families.
“Traditional Birth Attendants occupy an important position in many of our communities. You are often trusted by pregnant women and their families, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Because of this, your actions and decisions can significantly influence the safety and wellbeing of mothers and newborn babies,” he said.
“This is why training such as this is extremely important,” he added.
Speaking during the training, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Coulson Osoikhia, urged the TBAs to immediately refer pregnant women to professional doctors or approved medical centres whenever they identify complications.
Osoikhia, who delivered a lecture titled, “Understanding Pregnancy: Normal Pregnancy, Danger Signs and High-Risk Pregnancy,” said recognising danger signs early could make the difference between life and death.
“You must recognise the points of danger signs that you need to refer the patient. We are here today to guide and work together with you. We are not here to scare you or relegate any of your members. We are here to strengthen you to ensure you do what is right, so that we don’t lose our patients in cold hands,” he said.
He disclosed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had made free antenatal care available to pregnant women, urging the participants to refer expectant mothers to designated healthcare facilities.
“The administration of Governor Okpebholo has created a mandate that women who are pregnant, children below five years, and adults above sixty-five years get free healthcare,” Osoikhia said.
Also speaking, Dr Gideon Iroaya, who delivered a lecture on “Nutrition During Pregnancy and Prevention of Anaemia,” emphasised the importance of balanced diets and adequate intake of clean water during pregnancy.
The Reproductive Health Supervisor for Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Mrs Joy Ogiemwonyi, identified early antenatal booking, recognition of danger signs and prompt referral as some of the critical responsibilities of TBAs.
She also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy working relationship with healthcare providers within their localities.
The Medical Officer of Health, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Dr Osazee Ezomo, spoke on the importance of birth preparedness and financial readiness to deal with possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
The participants, drawn from Orhionmwon and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas, commended Senator Imasuen for the initiative.
One of the participants, Mrs Blessing Okoro, thanked the senator for organising the programme, saying the training had significantly improved her understanding of maternal healthcare and referral procedures.
“I want to thank the lawmaker for this invaluable training. I have learned a lot from this programme and will put the knowledge to good use,” she said.
Highlight of the training was the presentation of certificates to participants.
The second-phase training is part of Senator Imasuen’s broader efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare in Edo South by improving collaboration between Traditional Birth Attendants and the formal healthcare system.
