Enhancing Maternal and Infant Health in Lagos, Nigeria
Introduction
The Maternal and Infant Health Equity Initiative, Inc. (MIHEI) is dedicated to improving the health outcomes of mothers and infants in underserved communities. Our recent needs assessment in Lagos, Nigeria, marks a significant milestone in our efforts. This comprehensive survey involved 500 pregnant women and 500 women who had given birth within the last 12 months, alongside interviews with over 80 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) from all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos.
Needs Assessment Overview
The needs assessment aimed to understand the challenges and gaps in maternal and infant health services in Lagos. Our findings will guide the development of targeted interventions to improve access to and quality of maternal care in the region.
Key Findings
Access to Skilled Maternal Care: Many women in Lagos still rely on TBAs for childbirth due to cultural practices and accessibility issues. While TBAs play a crucial role, there is a significant need to ensure that perinatal women receive skilled maternal care from trained healthcare providers in healthcare facilities.
Training and Resources for TBAs: Our interviews with over 80 TBAs revealed a strong willingness to improve their skills and collaborate with healthcare providers. The TBAs expressed a need for better training and resources to enhance the quality of care they provide.
Voices from the Field
During our assessment, we heard from many TBAs who shared their experiences and aspirations. One notable testimony comes from the TBA Chairperson of Kosofe LGA:
“I have been practicing as a Traditional Birth Attendant for over 10 years, and during that time, many NGOs have visited our community but have not often come to my center. I am confident that your visit today will bring about positive development and enhance the quality of services we provide.”
This quote emphasizes two key points:
Limited Access to Resources: Many TBAs feel they haven't received proper support from organizations working in maternal health.
Desire for Improvement: TBAs are eager to collaborate and improve the quality of care they provide.
MIHEI's Commitment to Skilled Care
MIHEI recognizes the vital role TBAs play in many communities. However, we also believe that every pregnant woman and newborn deserves access to skilled care from trained healthcare providers in healthcare facilities. This is crucial for ensuring the best possible health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Our Path Forward
The findings from our needs assessment will guide MIHEI's future efforts in Lagos. We are committed to working with all stakeholders, including TBAs, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community, to develop a comprehensive approach that increases access to skilled maternal care and improves birth outcomes for mothers and infants in Lagos State.
We will continue to share updates on our progress in Lagos on this page. Please visit again soon to learn more about MIHEI's work in promoting maternal and infant health equity in Nigeria.
