The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as part of a broader strategy to achieve an HIV-free generation.
The announcement came during a two-day sensitisation program for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The session aimed to equip TBAs with practical skills for safe delivery practices, reducing the risk of HIV transmission during childbirth.
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, highlighted the critical role TBAs play in grassroots healthcare delivery, noting that pregnant women often seek guidance from TBAs before attending hospitals. She emphasized that TBAs are not just birth attendants but community leaders, counsellors, and protectors of life, whose influence is crucial in maternal and child healthcare decisions.
The sensitisation programme, coordinated with the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and community leaders, included participants from all divisions of Lagos State. Dr. Animashaun urged TBAs to adhere to universal safety precautions, including proper sterilization, use of protective equipment, and timely referral of HIV-positive mothers to health facilities for care.
Facilitator Mrs. Anuyimika Akinola reinforced the importance of protecting the health of mothers, babies, and families, while participant Mrs. Ayenigba Elizabeth commended the program, pledging to implement the lessons learned in daily practice to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains a significant public health concern. By empowering TBAs with knowledge and practical skills, Lagos State is leveraging trusted community health providers to safeguard the health of mothers and newborns. The program strengthens community-level interventions and ensures that preventive measures reach every corner of the state, reflecting the government’s proactive approach to maternal and child health.
Through this initiative, the Lagos State Government demonstrates a commitment to achieving an HIV-free generation by integrating traditional birth attendants into the state’s healthcare strategy. With continued training, adherence to safe practices, and community engagement, Lagos is taking critical steps toward protecting mothers, children, and families from HIV, and ensuring that no child is born with HIV in the state.
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