Ondo State government has described the death of any pregnant woman as a big loss to the nation, and is set to prosecute operators of mission houses and traditional birth attendants who record deaths during child birth.
Dayo Adeyanju, Ondo state, commissioner for health.
It advised them to refer pregnant women to government hospitals where most maternal deaths can be prevented with appropriate health care.
This was part of the resolutions at a seminar tagged “The Role of Traditional Birth Attendants in Maternal Health and Child Survival” organised by Hala Nigeria in Akure.
Health Commissioner, Dayo Adeyanju, disclosed that his ministry has embarked on an awareness campaign with the help of traditional rulers to “ensure that pregnancy is no longer a death sentence.”
Participants in the seminar were drawn from the health sector for the one common goal of redefining the roles of mission houses and traditional birth attendants.
Adeyanju reiterated the efficacy of prayers but explained that the lives of pregnant women should not be left in the hands of unqualified carers who “should refer pregnant women to government hospitals without any further delay.”
Hala Nigeria Co-ordinator, Cece Fadope, said the seminar was organised for stakeholders to pour out their hearts and proffer lasting solutions to high maternal and infant deaths.
