Empowering Traditional Birth Attendants to Save Lives in Rural Nigeria
In the heart of Nigeria’s rural communities, where hospitals are miles away and skilled medical staff are often absent, thousands of women rely on one source of care—traditional birth attendants. These women, known and trusted in their communities, have become the first responders during pregnancy and childbirth. But while their dedication is unquestionable, the gap in professional training and resources has long put mothers and babies at risk.
At the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), we believe no woman should lose her life-giving birth simply because of where she lives. Through our Maternal Health, Sexual and Reproductive Rights Initiative (MAHSRRI), we’re bridging this critical gap by empowering the very women that rural communities already trust—birth attendants.
Why Birth Attendants Matter
For many rural Nigerian women and girls, accessing skilled healthcare remains an uphill battle. Poverty, long distances to medical facilities, lack of awareness, and sometimes even the unfriendly attitude of trained healthcare staff push them toward birth attendants. These women often operate without formal training but serve as the main providers of antenatal care and delivery services for countless mothers.
Recognizing their importance, some state governments in Nigeria are beginning to incorporate traditional birth attendants into their public health strategies. ICEHD is proud to support and strengthen these efforts, contributing to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
Transforming Care Through Training and Technology
In collaboration with State Healthcare Boards, Primary Healthcare Centers, Traditional Medicine Boards, and qualified health professionals, ICEHD has trained over 600 birth attendants across four local government areas: Ojo, Iba, Oto-Awori, and Ado Odo-Ota in Lagos and Ogun States.
These training sessions cover essential maternal health topics such as:
Each trained birth attendant is equipped with updated medical kits, including delivery items, sanitizers, baby weighing scales, computers, generators, and other critical tools to replace outdated equipment. These resources ensure they can provide safer, more effective care.
Embracing the Digital Age
In today’s world, even remote healthcare can benefit from technology. ICEHD is pioneering the integration of digital tools into the hands of birth attendants. By training them to use computers, phones, and the internet, we are enabling them to:
These digital records not only help in timely referrals—especially during emergencies—but also support government agencies in designing smarter, data-informed health interventions.
A Step Toward Safer Motherhood
Through this program, ICEHD is strengthening maternal health systems at the grassroots level and upholding the health rights of vulnerable and marginalized women and girls. Every birth attendant trained, every life saved, and every digital record kept moves us closer to a future where no woman dies from preventable childbirth complications.
We remain committed to building a healthier, more equitable future—one community at a time.
