Lagos Govt, TBAs Strengthen Referral System to Curb Maternal, Newborn Deaths
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government is advocating for enhanced collaboration between Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and healthcare professionals to address the high rates of preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the region. This initiative was highlighted by Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, during a recent stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat.
Adeleke emphasized the importance of improving the referral system to ensure that women experiencing complications during pregnancy or childbirth receive timely medical intervention. She noted a concerning decline in TBA services recorded from January to July 2026 compared to the same timeframe in 2025. Specifically, new antenatal registrations fell by 31.9 percent, dropping from 1,594 to 1,085, while existing registrations decreased from 3,152 to 1,901. Additionally, the number of deliveries managed by TBAs declined by 36 percent, going from 1,308 in 2025 to 837 in the recent period.
The purpose of the meeting, according to Adeleke, was to assess whether this decline indicates a shift towards greater usage of formal healthcare facilities or if it reflects a broader avoidance of healthcare services by women. While she acknowledged the significant trust that many women place in TBAs, she urged them to promptly refer patients exhibiting warning signs—such as heavy bleeding, prolonged labor, high blood pressure, and convulsions—to appropriate medical facilities.
Adeleke also called on healthcare workers to ensure proper receipt of referred patients and to maintain open lines of communication with TBAs to support continuity of care. “We must remember that behind every referral is a woman, a baby, and a family,” she stated.
In addition, she announced that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Government and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on the MAAMI program, which aims to facilitate the transportation of women in labor to healthcare facilities without delay. Adeleke reminded residents of the availability of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), which operates 24/7 and can be contacted at 112.
Earlier in the meeting, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area Executive Chairman Hon. Sesan Olowa commended the state government for its ongoing support of TBAs. He urged the birth attendants to refer cases that exceed their capabilities to the appropriate health facilities, reinforcing the need for a collaborative effort to prevent maternal and child mortality.
