(DDM) — A growing number of pregnant women in Akwa Ibom State are reportedly abandoning primary healthcare centres and turning to traditional birth attendants due to worsening conditions in public health facilities.
An investigation has revealed that many Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state are plagued by dilapidated structures, unsanitary environments, and a critical shortage of medical personnel.
Expectant mothers, who rely heavily on these centres for antenatal care and delivery services, now face heightened risks as essential services continue to deteriorate.
Several of the affected facilities were found with leaking roofs, broken equipment, and insufficient medical supplies, making them unsuitable for safe childbirth.
Health workers in some centres reportedly operate under extreme conditions, often lacking basic tools and support needed to provide adequate care.
As a result, many pregnant women are opting for traditional birth homes, despite the known risks associated with unskilled delivery practices.
Medical experts warn that this trend could lead to a rise in maternal and infant mortality, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
They stress that access to skilled birth attendants and properly equipped health facilities is critical to reducing preventable deaths during childbirth.
Residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as government neglect, calling for urgent intervention to rehabilitate failing healthcare infrastructure.
Some community members claim that even when facilities are available, the absence of qualified personnel discourages women from seeking care at PHCs.
Public health advocates argue that the situation reflects broader systemic challenges within Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, including poor funding, weak oversight, and inadequate staffing.
They emphasize the need for immediate investment in infrastructure, recruitment of healthcare workers, and improved working conditions to restore confidence in the system.
Efforts to strengthen primary healthcare are seen as essential to achieving better health outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
Stakeholders warn that without urgent action, the continued decline of PHCs could reverse gains made in maternal health and further expose communities to avoidable tragedies.
