Oyam Traditional Birth Attendants urged to stop conducting deliveries

5 August 2026, 7:21 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Oyam District have been urged to stop conducting deliveries, as the practice is no longer permitted under Uganda’s health regulations.

The call was made during a one-day training organised by Mother Health International at Timagi Community Medical Centre in B Village, Ogwang Apuro Parish, Acaba Sub-county.

The training brought together TBAs from Acaba and Loro sub-counties, alongside professional midwives, to strengthen collaboration in improving maternal healthcare and reducing deaths among pregnant women and newborns.

Speaking to Shine FM, Harriet Akello, Director of Midwifery and Women’s Health at Mother Health International in Amuru District, said the organisation is working with midwives and former TBAs in Oyam to improve maternal health services and prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

She encouraged community members to seek medical care at health facilities whenever they fall ill and urged pregnant women to attend antenatal care and deliver at recognised health centres where skilled health workers can manage emergencies.

Akello emphasised that, under Ministry of Health guidelines, women should give birth only in accredited health facilities attended by qualified health workers. She noted that TBAs are no longer authorised to conduct deliveries because the practice exposes mothers and babies to preventable risks.

Peter Olet, Administrator of Timagi Community Medical Centre, said Oyam District continues to register maternal deaths and newborn losses during childbirth each year. He appealed to TBAs to stop conducting home deliveries and instead refer expectant mothers to health facilities where they can receive proper medical care.

Former TBAs Agness Acen and Lucy Acen, who attended the training, committed to stopping delivery services.

Community member George Ogwal from Adak Village in Obangangeo Parish, Acaba Sub-county, said the training had helped the community develop better plans to support pregnant women and encourage them to seek skilled medical care.

The development marks a significant step towards strengthening maternal health services in Oyam District, as health leaders and community members work together to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.