The Katsina government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, has trained at least 34 traditional birth attendants to combat maternal and child mortality.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs, Zainab Musa-Musawa, made this known during the training in Katsina on Wednesday, saying the training was aimed at empowering the TBAs to perform better.

According to her, the one-day training is a significant step by the Katsina government to address maternal and child mortality.

She added that the training, which focuses on maternal health, “seeks to equip TBAs with the necessary knowledge and skills” to effectively handle childbirth at the community level.

“By engaging these key stakeholders, the ministry aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes across Katsina state,” Ms Musa-Musawa.

According to Ms Musa-Musawa, reducing maternal and child mortality is the ministry’s top priority, and empowering the TBAs with updated techniques and information is essential to achieving the goal.

Ms Musa-Musawa explained that by investing in training, “we can make significant strides toward ensuring safer childbirth experiences” for mothers and newborns.

She stressed, “The training covered various aspects of maternal health, including prenatal care, safe delivery practices, postnatal care, and recognising and managing complications during childbirth.”

The commissioner added that participants must be educated on timely referrals to healthcare facilities when necessary.

Ms Musa-Musawa stated the need for continued collaboration toward promoting the health and empowerment of women and children in Katsina.

Health commissioner Bishir Saulawa said the ministry “is committed to working with the TBAs to improve the health and well-being” of mothers and children.

“Their role is invaluable, and by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can make a real difference in reducing maternal and child mortality rates,” stated Mr Saulawa.

(NAN)