As doctors, when we raise concerns about the use of TBA, it’s never out of disdain…

The risk of a Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) mismanaging pregnancy complications is at an all-time high, and this is not just theory, it's reality.

Imagine a scenario of a pregnant woman who had tested HIV-positive, and she became pregnant without being adequately informed about the preventive measures she needed to take to avoid mother-to-child transmission.

She registered for antenatal care at the home of a TBA, and her HIV status was unknown. The TBA went on and took her delivery.

After a series of unexplained symptoms exhibited by the infant, she was brought into the hospital and was discovered to be HIV-positive Even more alarming? The TBA, unaware of the mother’s HIV status used the same delivery instruments she uses for other pregnant women.

This raises the disturbing possibility that multiple women could be at risk of contracting HIV from reused, non-sterile instruments. As doctors, we follow a strict antenatal and healthcare protocol that includes a full panel of tests- HIV being one of them.

When a pregnant woman tests positive, there are proven medical interventions to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission For the safety of the mother, the baby, and the public at large, every delivery is handled with strict precautions.

Instruments used in the delivery of HIV-positive patients are carefully disposed of or sterilized according to protocol to avoid contamination and transmission.

This story is just one example of the hidden risks women face when they rely on "unregulated" Traditional Birth Attendants for delivery. It’s not just about preference or culture, it’s about life, safety, and the future of our children.