Organizes two day sensitization program for TBA’ s
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV as part of its broader strategy to achieve an HIV-free generation.
Speaking at a two day sensitization program organized for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs),the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, underscored the pivotal role of TBAs in protecting the health of mothers and newborns across the state.
The sensitization session which was aimed at equipping TBAs with practical skills to apply safe delivery practices that reduce the risk of HIV transmission during their daily practices held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( LCCI)
Dr Animashaun, highlighted the crucial role TBAs play in grassroots healthcare delivery. She stressed that TBAs, being trusted community health providers, must adopt safe practices and promote awareness on the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV emphasizing the critical role TBAs play in maternal and child healthcare as pregnant women tend to seek care and guidance from TBAs before going to an hospital.
“You are not just birth attendants, you are community leaders, counsellors, and protectors of life. The trust women place in you gives you enormous influence in their health decisions,” Dr. Animashaun said.
She explained further that the selection of participants for the sensitization program was done in collaboration with the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and community leaders which cuts across all divisions in Lagos State.
“We work with the traditional structures at the grassroots to identify participants. From there, we are able to track them, ensure they are passing down the knowledge gained, and also collect feedback. This makes the program deeply rooted in the communities it is meant to serve,” she noted.
She urged TBAs to strictly adhere to universal safety precautions during delivery, including the use of protective equipment, proper sterilization, and timely referral of HIV-positive mothers to health facilities for appropriate care noting that the delivery process presents unique opportunities to apply specific preventive measures that significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
She advised the participants to take the training seriously and apply the lessons in their daily practice. “My advice is that you take the information you are receiving today very seriously. Apply it in your work so that every mother, every pregnancy, and every child is protected from HIV. Together, we can ensure that no child is born with HIV in Lagos State,” she said.
Mrs Anuyimika Akinola who was a facilitator at the event stressed the importance of protecting the health of mothers, babies and families across the state as every child deserves to be born healthy and free from HIV. She encouraged all participants to be professional in discharging their duties and must guide against unlawful disclosure of HIV status of their clients.
Mrs. Ayenigba Elizabeth, a participant at the event, commended the Lagos State Government for organizing the training, noting that it has equipped traditional birth attendants with best practices in childbirth delivery especially against the transmission of HIV to both mother and child during and after delivery. She however assured that the lessons learned during the program would be strictly applied in their daily practice to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
