The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has trained traditional birth attendants across communities in Abia State on safer pregnancy and childbirth practices as part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn health in underserved communities.
Speaking during the training, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said traditional birth attendants remain critical community-based caregivers, especially in rural areas with limited access to formal healthcare services.
Represented by Mrs Dare Olokor Kwame, Ogbuku said the programme was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to promote safer pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care and financial preparedness for expectant mothers.
More than 150 traditional birth attendants from the six local government areas of Abia South Senatorial District participated in the workshop, which focused on evidence-based practices, cultural sensitivity, collaboration with healthcare professionals and improved maternal and newborn care.
Participants also received training on safe delivery practices, maternal health education, newborn care and the early identification of pregnancy-related complications.
Ogbuku said the initiative was not intended to discourage traditional birth attendants from practising but to strengthen their capacity and encourage safer delivery methods.
“We are not against traditional birth attendants; we are here to strengthen them. We have educated them to practise only in clean environments and avoid harmful practices.
“They save lives where there are no doctors. Even doctors are not against them because many people were delivered by traditional birth attendants. Today, they have been trained to become role models who can train and retrain others working under them,” he said.
One of the guest lecturers, Dr Jude Okpani, noted that many women still give birth in rural communities where access to hospitals remains limited.
He stressed that positive pregnancy outcomes depend largely on adequate knowledge, regular antenatal care and safe delivery practices.
Okpani also urged pregnant women to make adequate financial preparations for childbirth, noting that concerns over medical costs often discourage some expectant mothers from seeking hospital care.
The training featured practical sessions on monitoring maternal and child health, promoting proper nutrition and hygiene, recognising pregnancy danger signs and preparing expectant mothers physically and mentally for childbirth.
Participants were also taught how to select safe delivery locations, prepare delivery materials, arrange emergency transportation, set aside emergency funds and maintain proper hygiene through handwashing, sterilisation of equipment and safe waste disposal. They also received guidance on the use of essential delivery items, including gloves, antiseptics and clean clothing, to improve the safety of both mothers and newborns.
