The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organised a training programme for traditional birth attendants in Abia State to enhance their knowledge of safe pregnancy practices, childbirth management and maternal healthcare.

Speaking during the workshop, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, said traditional birth attendants remain vital community caregivers, especially in rural areas where access to formal healthcare services is limited.

Represented by Mrs. Dare Olokor Kwame, Ogbuku explained that the initiative was designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to improve pregnancy care, safe childbirth, postpartum support and financial planning for expectant mothers.

The workshop brought together more than 150 traditional birth attendants drawn from the six local government areas in Abia South Senatorial District. Participants received training on evidence-based maternal care, cultural sensitivity, collaboration with healthcare professionals and strategies for improving the health of mothers and newborns.

The programme also covered safe delivery techniques, maternal health education, newborn care and the early identification of pregnancy-related complications.

Ogbuku emphasised that the Commission's objective was not to discourage traditional birth attendants from carrying out their work but to strengthen their capacity and encourage the adoption of safer healthcare practices.

"We are not against traditional birth attendants; we are here to strengthen them. We have educated them to practise only in clean environments and avoid harmful practices.

"They save lives where there are no doctors. Even doctors are not against them because many people were delivered by traditional birth attendants. Today, they have been trained to become role models who can train and retrain others working under them," he said.

One of the guest lecturers, Dr. Jude Okpani, observed that many women still give birth in rural communities where access to hospitals remains inadequate.

He noted that the outcome of pregnancy often depends on proper knowledge, regular antenatal care and adherence to safe delivery practices.

Okpani also encouraged pregnant women to make adequate financial preparations before delivery, explaining that concerns over hospital bills often discourage some expectant mothers from seeking professional medical care.

The training featured practical and interactive sessions where participants learned how to monitor the health of pregnant women and newborns, promote proper nutrition and hygiene, identify warning signs during pregnancy and prepare expectant mothers physically and mentally for childbirth.

Participants were also trained on choosing safe delivery locations, assembling delivery materials, arranging emergency transportation, setting aside emergency funds, maintaining proper hand hygiene, sterilising delivery tools, disposing of medical waste safely and using essential delivery supplies, including gloves, antiseptics and clean clothing.