The Akwa Ibom State commissioner of health, Emem Bassey, said that Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) will be integrated fully into the health care system of the state, Just like few other states in Nigeria that did same. About 70 percent of pregnant women in Akwa Ibom State patronise unskilled traditional birth attendants (TBAs) during childbirth.
Bassey stated this in the state capital, Uyo, during the inauguration of a technical working committee to develop a framework for integrating the activities of TBAs into the health care system in the state.
This integration, he said, would boost prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) during pregnancy and reduce infant mortality.
He said that many pregnant women in the state who attend ante-natal sessions at least once during pregnancy still patronise TBAs, hence the need to integrate TBAs in mainstream maternity framework.
Bassey urged the committee to dialogue with all stakeholders on how to engage the TBAs for improved maternal and child health services as well as increased uptake of PMTCT services.
The commissioner also advised the committee to develop standard operating procedures and training curriculum to facilitate integration of TBAs' activities into the state healthcare system.
"Your task is enormous; I believe that with the calibre of members, the committee would deliver a well-drafted work plan for TBAs' integration," Bassey said.
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