LSTMB Strengthens Advocacy Across 20 LGAs to Revamp Traditional Birth Practices in Lagos

The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has intensified efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare by engaging Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) across the state.

At a crucial meeting held on Thursday with the Chairmen of TBAs from the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), the Registrar of LSTMB, Prince Babatunde Adele, represented by the Head of Research Training and Development, Mr. Hakeem Bello, outlined key reforms aimed at repositioning traditional birth practices in Lagos.

The meeting was convened to address the growing issue of quackery in child delivery systems, which continues to undermine maternal and child health outcomes.

Bello disclosed that a 15-man committee was set up by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, to review TBA activities, including the hospital immersion programme. Updates shared at the meeting included:

• Temporary suspension of all TBA training in Lagos pending final recommendations of the committee.
• Restriction of immersion programmes to flagship Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
• Recall of licenses of 100 practitioners, to be reinstated only after successful completion of the PHC immersion programme.

“The state is committed to improving maternal and child health; as such, we as TBAs must reposition ourselves to achieve this,” Bello said.

He further announced the commencement of sensitisation and re-documentation of all TBAs in Lagos. The process will ensure proper identification of registered practitioners, with names to be published in an official compendium of TBA practitioners for professional reference.

Bello urged the Chairmen to mobilise their members for the exercise and pledged government’s continued support in building a safer, more accountable TBA system.

The meeting recorded full representation from all LGAs, demonstrating the strong commitment of stakeholders to maternal and child health reforms in Lagos State.