Bridging the Gap: Assessing the Activities of Traditional Birth Attendants in Maternal Mortality Reduction in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Maternal mortality remains a pressing global health challenge, with pregnancy-related deaths largely preventable through adequate care and intervention. Despite various healthcare efforts, Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience high maternal mortality rates, highlighting gaps in existing strategies. This study examines the role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in maternal morbidity and mortality, addressing gaps in previous research that overlooked TBAs' activities. Using a systematic literature review and Structural Functionalism perspectives which anchored on the system theory, the study evaluates TBAs sensitization activities, their influence on maternal mortality, and contributing factors. Conducted in four council wards of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, the research involved 341 respondents, utilizing focused group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that maternal mortality will persist unless TBAs' activities are effectively regulated and integrated into skilled maternal healthcare frameworks. The study recommends a multidimensional intervention strategy, including improved healthcare infrastructure, access to skilled birth attendants, enhanced TBAs' training that is technologically and AI-powered. Strengthening collaboration between TBAs and skilled birth attendants is crucial for effective referrals and overall maternal health improvement.