By Seyi Odewale
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Biase Chapter, has raised alarm over the rising danger posed by unregulated church-run maternity homes and traditional birth attendants in Cross River State, calling for urgent legislation to curb unsafe practices endangering women and children.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Biase organised by the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS), CAN Chairman, Rev. Victor Okon, said the unchecked operations of unlicensed maternity centres had become a major driver of avoidable maternal and child deaths.
He condemned pastors who dissuade congregants from seeking care at government hospitals or accepting medically advised caesarean sections, describing such practices as “reckless, unsafe, and inconsistent with Christian doctrine.”
CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead, Prof. Angela Oyo Ita, representing University of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, stressed that research had consistently linked poor outcomes to reliance on unregulated centres.
She said effective collaboration between government, health workers, and community leaders was critical to reversing the trend.
The Paramount Ruler of Biase, HRH Onun Apostle Nicholas Odim, also condemned the rising deaths linked to unsafe childbirth practices, pledging traditional rulers’ support for life-saving interventions.
Chairman of Biase Local Government, Hon. Edadi Enyong, commended CHAMPS for donating an ultrasound machine and “Mama Kits” to the Cottage Hospital, Akpet, saying such efforts were restoring public confidence in health facilities.
He pledged continued partnership to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery.
Representing the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Bassey Etim outlined reforms including upgrading facilities, employing more staff, and training traditional birth attendants to integrate them into referral systems in rural areas.
CHAMPS investigator Dr. Edward Odey said the meeting sought to sharpen response strategies and push for stronger use of government health facilities.
He warned that without firm laws and stronger regulation, maternal and child deaths in the state would remain unacceptably high.
