Empowering Traditional Birth Attendants to increase the utilization of maternal and neonatal immunizations in Imo State, Nigeria
Dr Chinedu Iwu, Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Nigeria
Project period: January 2020 - April 2020
Summary of the project
Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are community based, informally trained providers of maternal care during pregnancy, childbirth and after delivery; and they form an integral part of the social, cultural and religious fabric in most communities in Nigeria. Therefore, TBAs have the potential to contribute significantly to the uptake of maternal and neonatal immunization. Despite their limitations in handling the complications of childbirth and the Government’s promotion of hospital based skilled birth attendants as the safer option, the TBAs are widely accepted and patronized, especially in resource limited environments. The aim of the project was to engage and empower the TBAs to be more knowledgeable with positive attitude in order to develop the willingness to promote uptake of maternal and neonatal immunization.
Ninety TBA participants were selected from proximal rural areas within each of the three senatorial geopolitical zones of Imo State, Nigeria. The TBAs were engaged and linked to Health Facility Immunization Focal Persons through an audio-visually structured workshop that took into cognizance their level of education, customs and traditions. A pre and post training interviewer administered questionnaire was used to evaluate the program with respect to the level of knowledge, attitude and willingness to promote immunization.
Project Team and Workshop Assistants.
Profile of the project lead
Dr Chinedu Iwu is a lecturer with the College of Medicine, Imo State University and the Director of Post-graduate Medical Training with Imo State University Teaching Hospital.
In the past, Dr Iwu has worked as a trainer/facilitator for World Health Organization (WHO) in the area of Infection, Prevention and Control for Health Care Workers and as an External Reviewer and Evaluator on best practices in polio eradication initiatives and other health interventions in Nigeria. He has also served as National Supervisor for the Measles Vaccination Campaigns and as Medical Administrator of the COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centers in Imo State, Nigeria.
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