LAGOS MOVES TO TIGHTEN REGULATIONS ON TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS
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In an effort to improve maternal and child health outcomes, the Lagos State Ministry of Health held a High-Level Stakeholders’ Meeting today to discuss the regulation of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the state. The meeting gathered important policymakers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies to explore strategies for ensuring TBAs operate within established guidelines and contribute to safe childbirth practices.
Key figures at the meeting included Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Chairman of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Atinuke Onayiga; Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, mni; and Permanent Secretary of the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr. Abiola Idowu.
Notable attendees also included the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya; the Chairman of the Lagos sector of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin; and the Chairman of the Lagos State Steering Committee on MPDSR, Dr. Donald Imosemi.
The meeting focused on regulating the activities of TBAs, with a particular emphasis on standardizing their training curriculum, defining their operational scope, creating an effective patient referral system, and ensuring adherence to health regulations.
Other key participants included the Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Prince Babatunde Adele, along with representatives from the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr. Ekundayo Ajayi-Obe; the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Lagos Chapter, Christiana Adeboboye; and the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Salifu, who shared expert insights on the advantages and risks associated with TBA services.
Attending the meeting were also the Medical Director of the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Femi Omololu; Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folashade Oludara; Director of Health Care Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Jumoke Oyenuga; Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Sola Aketi; and Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, Director of LASAMBUS.
Concerns were raised by stakeholders about maternal and neonatal complications resulting from unregulated TBA practices. The importance of equipping TBAs with modern obstetric knowledge to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates was stressed.
Following the discussions, a 15-member committee was formed to review TBA operations and the broader scope of traditional medicine in Lagos State. This committee, which includes representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, SOGON, PAN, LSTMB, NANNM, LSBTS, WHO, and other stakeholders, will assess current challenges, propose regulatory measures, and submit a comprehensive report for evaluation by a larger stakeholder assembly.
With maternal health being a top priority on the state’s health agenda, the Lagos State Government is committed to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that all childbirth services, whether provided in hospitals or by TBAs, meet safety standards. The results of this review are expected to influence policies that will enhance maternal and child healthcare while balancing traditional and modern obstetric practices.
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