The Lagos State Government, through Health District III, has intensified collaboration with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to strengthen referrals and reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, disclosed a decline in TBA services between January and July 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
She said new antenatal registrations dropped by 31.9 percent, from 1,594 to 1,085, while old registrations fell from 3,152 to 1,901. TBA deliveries also declined by 36 per cent, from 1,308 to 837.
Adeleke said the meeting was convened to determine whether the decline reflected increased patronage of health facilities or reduced access to maternal care.
While acknowledging the trust many women place in TBAs, she urged them to promptly refer pregnant women experiencing danger signs, including heavy bleeding, prolonged labour, high blood pressure, and convulsions.
She also charged health workers to receive referrals appropriately and maintain effective communication with TBAs, expressing optimism that stronger collaboration would help prevent avoidable maternal and newborn deaths.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Government and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on the MAAMI programme, which facilitates prompt transportation of women in labour to healthcare facilities.
She further reminded residents that the LASAMBUS emergency service operates 24 hours daily and can be reached by calling 112, stressing the importance of timely intervention in maternal emergencies.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Sesan Olowa, commended the government for its continued support for TBAs and urged them to refer cases beyond their capacity promptly to help reduce maternal and child mortality.
