Health Minister Aceng Advocates for Skilled Birth Assistance, Advises Against TBAs for Safer Childbirth
The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, is encouraging expectant mothers to forgo Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in favor of certified health facilities for safer deliveries.
Despite a government ban on TBAs in 2010, many mothers continue to seek their services, driven by factors like accessibility and cultural practices.
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However, TBAs lack formal medical training and resources, leaving them unable to handle emergencies during childbirth effectively.
“Traditional Birth Attendants were banned by the Ugandan government in 2010,” Dr. Aceng reminded, highlighting the risks associated with untrained birth assistance. “We must steer mothers toward skilled care in health facilities, where their safety and that of their newborns is more secure.”
Without essential medical supplies, TBAs are unprepared to handle complications such as haemorrhage or extended labor, increasing risks for both mothers and infants.
Uganda’s maternal mortality rate remains high at 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, with a significant portion of these preventable deaths occurring outside skilled care settings.
Dr. Aceng stressed the importance of professional healthcare providers, urging communities to value medically trained personnel to help lower maternal and infant mortality rates.
