OLIVER SAMBOKO writes
A TRADITIONAL doctor has advised expectant mothers to avoid using snuff tobacco commonly known as nsunko and other concoctions to induce labour.
Alex Mbelili attributed the high number of caesarian section operations being recorded at Siavonga District Hospital was a result of the practice by expecting mother of abusing nsunko and other concoctions to reduce pain during labour.
Mr Mbelili said because of the habit by some expectant mothers to abuse the powdered tobacco processed traditionally, many ended up in operating rooms.
The abuse of the substance caused complications during labour leaving health workers with no choice but to resort to a surgical operation.
Mr Mbelili said insertion of nsunko in organs and drinking of other concoctions did not only put the life of the pregnant woman at risk but also their unborn babies.
He said Government should identify traditional healers who were in the habit of giving pregnant women charms and untested medicines for labour.
Mbelili called for serious sensitisation of women on the dangers of abusing nsunko.
He said the irritating powder should be listed as one of the prohibited drugs in the country because it had destroyed many lives.
“There is need for serious sensitisation of the masses over the dangers of this tobacco thing before many more lives are lost,” he said.
Mbelili said tobacco was harmful to heath in any form one might take it.
