By Chioma Obinna
THE Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board recently trained 251 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as part of efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as tackle the problem of shortage of human resources in the health sector.

Chairman Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi while addressing the gathering during the presentation of certificates to the TBAs who attended a 6- week reorientation course at the General Hospitals & Health Centres in the State said shortage of human resources is a challenge that requires a new strategic thinking paradigm shift.

Omoseyindemi who stated that it is imperative to build capacity for the TBAs to meet challenges of  MDGs , explained that it became necessary to equip TBAs with knowledge and skills to give key messages on preventive and promotive health services and recognition of high risk conditions in order for them to make timely referral to the levels of health care.

He said for TBAs to be effective, all health care workers, regardless of the skills they possess, need a supportive enabling environment.

“Where the decision is made for cultural or other reasons to incorporate TBAs into a skilled attendant strategy, the above reasons for past failures must be considered. Experts believe that the best role for the TBA in the skilled attendant strategy is to serve as an advocate for skilled care, encouraging women to seek care from skilled attendants.”

He further noted that TBAs can help in the provision of skilled care women and newborns by serving as advocates for skilled attendants and maternal and newborn health needs amongst others.

In his lecture; tagged “Culture and Sustainable Health Practices,” Lai Olurode of the Department of  Sociology University of  Lagos, on the path to sustainable birth delivery system, stressed the need to overcome dogma and rigidity which are hostile to cultivation of scientific practices.

He urged orthodox medicine practitioners to show tolerance and respect for culture as manifested in traditional medicine.