The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) with support from relevant partners successfully conducted a specialized 4-day training program in Adamawa State, focused on enhancing the synergy between Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs). The exercise commenced on the 2nd and 3rd of March 2026 at the NSHIP Hall in Girei LGA, followed by sessions on the 4th and 5th of March at the NSHIP Hall in Yola North LGA. A total of 90 participants, 45 from each Local Government Area were reached, creating a robust network of community health providers equipped to tackle maternal mortality at the grassroots level. The sessions were led by a team of expert facilitators who utilized interactive modules to bridge the gap between traditional practices and clinical standards.
The core of the curriculum centered on the critical roles of TBAs and CHEWs before, during, and after pregnancy and delivery. Participants were trained on the “Three Delays” model, emphasizing their role in early danger sign recognition during the prenatal period and the necessity of immediate referral to skilled facilities during labor. Facilitators detailed the collaborative workflow required during delivery to ensure sanitary conditions and professional overwatch, while the postnatal sessions focused on essential newborn care and monitoring the mother for hemorrhaging. By clarifying these roles, the training sought to transform TBAs from isolated practitioners into “Community Linkage Agents” who work together with CHEWs to ensure every birth is attended by a skilled professional.
The importance and benefits of this training lie in its ability to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity rates across Adamawa State. By integrating TBAs into the formal health referral system, CFHI is ensuring that cultural trust is maintained while medical safety is prioritized. The primary benefit is the creation of a seamless “Continuum of Care,” where pregnant women are encouraged to seek antenatal services early and deliver in safe environments. Ultimately, this intervention empowers community health actors with the knowledge to save lives, ensuring that pregnancy is a journey of joy rather than a risk, and strengthening the overall health ecosystem in Girei and Yola North.