Lagos Records 36% Drop in TBA Deliveries, Seeks Action to Save Moth
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Deliveries conducted by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Lagos State fell by 36 per cent between January and July 2026, prompting the state government to call for stronger collaboration between TBAs and formal healthcare providers to prevent maternal and newborn deaths.
The decline was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr Monsurat Adeleke, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
Adeleke said the number of deliveries conducted by TBAs dropped from 1,308 in January-July 2025 to 837 during the same period in 2026.
She said new antenatal registrations with TBAs also fell by 31.9 per cent, from 1,594 to 1,085, while old registrations declined from 3,152 to 1,901.
According to Adeleke, the figures raised an important question: whether more pregnant women were moving to formal health facilities or whether some women were avoiding healthcare services altogether.
She said understanding the reasons behind the decline was necessary to ensure that pregnant women and newborns continued to receive timely care.
Adeleke acknowledged the level of trust some women place in TBAs but urged practitioners to work closely with health professionals, particularly when complications arise.
TBAs urged to refer pregnancy emergencies
The permanent secretary identified heavy bleeding, prolonged labour, high blood pressure and convulsions as danger signs requiring immediate referral to a healthcare facility.
She also appealed to healthcare workers to properly receive and manage women referred by TBAs and maintain communication with the practitioners.
According to her, effective collaboration between the two groups could help reduce avoidable maternal and newborn deaths.
“I want us to always bear in mind that behind every referral is a woman, a baby and a family,” Adeleke said.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius