LEGISLATURE

 


AKHA Health Committee Holds Meeting with Health Experts to Discuss Traditional Birth Attendants


By Julius  Nsikak 




On 27 August 2024, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, chaired by Ibiono Ibom lawmaker, Hon. Moses Essien, convened a meeting with the State Ministry of Health to discuss the proliferation of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the state and their impact on maternal mortality rates.


The meeting followed a resolution passed by the House on 21 August 2024, to regulate the activities of TBAs in Akwa Ibom State, proposed by Hon. (Dr.) Nsidide Akata.


Hon. Essien highlighted the need to address the issues surrounding pre- and post-natal childbirth services provided by TBAs, which contribute to child mortality rates. He questioned whether TBAs are licensed or trained by medical experts.




Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, praised the Committee for their prompt response to health matters. He noted that TBAs fall under the responsibility of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and are not part of the formal healthcare sector. He cited World Health Organization recommendations to phase out TBAs and employ skilled birth attendants.


The Commissioner attributed the persistence of TBA patronage to life pressures, low costs, and misconceived religious beliefs. He highlighted efforts to train TBAs to refer pregnant women to nearby healthcare centres.


Committee members raised concerns and suggestions. According to Uruan lawmaker, Hon. (Dr.) Itoro- Obong  Etim, when was the last routine check conducted to ensure TBAs comply with set rules?


However, Eket lawmaker, Hon. Nsidide Akata, appreciated the Ministry's efforts and urged provision of reliable alternatives to TBAs and Etinan lawmaker, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot and Hon. Lawrence Udoide,  asked about efforts to curb misconceived traditional and religious beliefs during childbirth.


Meanwhile, Hon. Ukpong Akpabio called for a campaign against misconceived religious or traditional beliefs discouraging hospital childbirth.


Present at the meeting were top health officials, including Dr. Abraham Inyang-Udoh, Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, and Dr. Marthins Akpan, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.


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