A’Ibom to train traditional birth attendants, upgrade practice

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to train Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) across the 31 Local Government Areas to upgrade their practice.

Eno said his administration will train, supervise and certify traditional birth attendants to bring them up in line with contemporary practices in the primary healthcare system.

The governor said this on Monday while addressing the practitioners at their 2025 State Convention in Uyo.

He issued a directive to the Ministry of Health to undertake the training of practitioners to certify them as community healthcare workers.

Eno acknowledged the role of TBAs as a part of the State’s social fabric given their role in caring for pregnant women.

He directed that upon acquiring the skills they should be upgraded and incorporated into the primary healthcare system of the State.

The governor expressed optimism that with training, the profile of the TBAs and their wealth of experience as providers of essential services will be further enhanced to aid healthcare delivery.

“As society evolves, old approaches get subjected to modern and advanced methods to ensure wholesome and holistic outcomes.

“I wish to implore and advise that, you also, if I may add, reinvent your methods of carrying out your duties.

“We are willing to partner with you to train, supervise and certify your members so that the service you provide is aligned with contemporary methods thus making it more acceptable to the larger society.

“Once the trainings are concluded, you will be assigned to primary healthcare facilities where your skills garnered traditionally will align with trainings you have received and we will all be winners,” Eno said.

Earlier in his remarks, the President, Akwa Ibom Traditional Birth Attendants, Mr Otobong George, thanked the governor for identifying with the TBAs and showing interest in bringing innovation to their profession.

George highlighted the importance of TBAs in the provision of immediate care in case of inaccessibility to medical facilities.

He called on the government to support the institution’s drive to better the practice by making relevant laws that would regulate the activities of practitioners and ensure adequate control.