Abia Govt Warns Against Patronizing Traditional Birth Attendants, Commissions New Primary Health Centers In Bende

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has warned residents against patronizing traditional birth attendants, stressing that such practices contribute heavily to maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya, gave the warning on Saturday during the commissioning of two newly renovated primary health centers in Bende Local Government Area.

According to him, Nigeria accounts for about 29 percent of maternal mortality worldwide, with a major cause linked to deliveries conducted by unskilled and uncertified workers.

“One of the major causes of maternal mortality is delivery by unskilled workers. And that includes traditional birth attendants who have not been trained and certified to provide that level of healthcare service. They therefore do not have the requisite skills for safety in the handling of maternal and child health care services,” Prof. Ogbonnaya said.

He noted that the new health facilities form part of the first phase of the government’s “Project Ekwueme,” which targets the functionalization of 50 primary health centers across the state. So far, 42 have been completed, with the remaining eight expected to be ready within the next week.

The renovated centers are equipped with modern medical facilities, including multi-parameter monitors for tracking health indices, automatic external defibrillators for cardiac emergencies, incubators, auto-analysers, oxygen cylinders, oxygen delivery devices, and state-of-the-art delivery rooms fitted with advanced delivery beds and life-support equipment for mothers and newborns.

Governor Otti reiterated that his administration is committed to building a world-class healthcare system that guarantees safety for both mothers and children.

Stakeholders present at the commissioning commended the Governor’s efforts. The Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, described the intervention as a clear sign that the Otti-led government is on a mission to address decades of neglect in the state’s health sector.

The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, alongside the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency, called on residents to take ownership of the facilities and leverage the Abia State Basic Health Fund for affordable healthcare.