Expanding Access to Maternal Health Services by the Use of Traditional Birth Attendants: Experiences of the Sunni Hospital Group, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: We intend to ascertain the experience of Sunni Hospital Maiduguri on the use of TBAs in enhancing Maternal Health Care Services. Study Design: It was a retrospective observational survey of a community health project. Place and Duration of Study: Maiduguri, Borno State Northeastern Nigeria between January 2001 and December 2007. Methodology: Post-intervention survey of a community health intervention that targeted Muslim underserved semi-urban women. Results: One thousand seven hundred and seventy eight (1,778) women were referred for life-saving interventions. More than 80% of the referrals were due to maternal and fetal complications identified by the TBAs in their respective communities. Six hundred and ninety one (691) deliveries were conducted using clean delivery kits. Their counseling and services consistently enhanced contraceptive uptake seen by generation of over 2,000 CYPs. Conclusion: TBAs play a significant role in expanding maternal and child health services in our communities. And TBAs are likely to continue to be key resource for improving maternal and child health. Therefore it is necessary to integrate these community workers in the health system.