Training Traditional Birth Attendants
What
This programme, the first of its kind in Madagascar, was initiated in 1999 and provides training, practical support and supplies for traditional birth attendants in rural areas, in order to promote safe motherhood and family planning.
Why
Fianarantsoa region has the highest mortality rate in the country for children under five. Healthcare for mothers is managed by Traditional Birth Attendants [TBAs], who attend 60% of all births, and with government resources dwindling while the population increases they will continue to provide a lifeline for mothers and babies for the foreseeable future. Many are very experienced, but at the same time they often do not recognise the risk signs under which pregnant woman should be sent to hospital, and some of their traditional practices can be very dangerous.
Results
Through this programme, training, practical support and supplies have been provided for over 600 TBAs from 22 different communes covering an area of over 11,000 square kilometres. Thousands of women have been referred to local health centres via the programme, for everything from childbirth, prenatal and postnatal consultations, to vaccination and family planning services. A good working relationship has developed between the formal and traditional health sectors.