By Baker Okelo, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese
Local leaders in Okwerodot Sub-county, Kole District, have urged Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to stop conducting deliveries and instead refer pregnant women to qualified health workers as part of efforts to improve maternal healthcare and reduce preventable deaths.
The resolution was reached during an engagement meeting between community leaders and health officials from Ayara Health Centre III and Okwerodot Health Centre III held at the sub-county headquarters on Monday.
Speaking to our reporter, the LC III Chairperson of Okwerodot Sub-county, Mr. Pere Denis, said the meeting was convened to identify challenges affecting healthcare service delivery and develop practical solutions to improve health outcomes.
Mr. Pere explained that although Traditional Birth Attendants continue to play an important role in mobilizing communities and guiding expectant mothers, they lack the professional training and medical expertise needed to manage childbirth complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths.
He therefore urged TBAs to work closely with health workers by encouraging expectant mothers to attend antenatal care and deliver at health facilities where skilled medical personnel are available.
The LC III Chairperson also appealed to parents and guardians to seek timely medical care for children suffering from malnutrition and other illnesses requiring professional treatment.
Mr. Pere further highlighted persistent challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the sub-county, including inadequate staffing and poor remuneration of health workers, which he said contribute to staff burnout, absenteeism and reduced quality of healthcare services.
Meanwhile, health officials assured residents that midwives stationed at health facilities across the sub-county will continue providing round-the-clock maternity services to ensure expectant mothers receive safe and professional care whenever they need it.
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