Buliisa expectant mothers turn to traditional birth attendants

Buliisa: A growing number of expectant mothers in Biiso Town Council and Biiso Sub-County have resorted to delivering under the care of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) instead of seeking skilled medical assistance at health facilities.

This alarming trend was disclosed by Dr. Jonan Alinaitwe, the In-Charge of Biiso Health Centre IV, during an exclusive interview over the weekend.

“Our January records show that 416 pregnant mothers attended antenatal care services, yet only 42 delivered at the facility a mere 10%,” Dr. Alinaitwe revealed.

Dr. Alinaitwe emphasized that giving birth under TBAs poses severe health risks to both mothers and babies due to lack of emergency medical interventions and increased risk of maternal and infant mortality

‘’There are higher chances of infections due to unhygienic conditions and complications such as excessive bleeding and obstructed labor when you deliver in the hands of TBAs,’’ he further emphasized.

To reduce these risks, Dr. Alinaitwe urged expectant mothers to attend at least eight antenatal care visits during pregnancy, seek skilled healthcare professionals for delivery and follow up with postnatal care after childbirth.

He also encouraged men to actively support their wives by escorting them for antenatal visits and ensuring they deliver in health facilities.

The health expert noted that leaders should sensitize the community members on the dangers of TBAs, strengthening maternal health services in local facilities and government should take action to regulate and phase out unqualified TBAs.

‘’With proper awareness and healthcare support, more mothers in Buliisa can embrace safe facility-based deliveries, ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and their babies,’’ he said.

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