Lagos Govt, TBAs Strengthen Referral System to Curb Maternal, Newborn Deaths

The Lagos State Government has called for stronger collaboration between Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and healthcare workers to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the state.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr Monsurat Adeleke, during a stakeholders’ meeting with TBAs at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, Ibeju.

Adeleke said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the referral system and ensuring that women experiencing pregnancy or childbirth complications receive timely medical attention.

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

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According to her, new antenatal registrations dropped by 31.9 per cent from 1,594 to 1,085, while old registrations declined from 3,152 to 1,901.

She added that deliveries handled by TBAs also fell by 36 per cent, from 1,308 in 2025 to 837 during the period under review.

Adeleke said the stakeholders’ meeting was necessary to determine whether the decline reflected increased use of formal health facilities or women avoiding healthcare services altogether.

She acknowledged the level of trust placed in TBAs by women in some communities, but urged them to promptly refer cases involving danger signs to health facilities.

Such signs, she said, include heavy bleeding, prolonged labour, high blood pressure and convulsions.

The permanent secretary also urged health workers to properly receive referred patients and maintain communication with TBAs to ensure continuity of care.

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

She disclosed that the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on the MAAMI programme, which facilitates the transportation of women in labour to health facilities without delay.

Adeleke also reminded residents that the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) operates round the clock and can be reached by calling 112.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for its continued support for TBAs.

Olowa urged the birth attendants to refer cases beyond their capacity to appropriate health facilities, stressing the need for concerted efforts to prevent maternal and child mortality.