Incorporate traditional birth attendants into health care policy

Editor, Despite the increase in deliveries at health facilities, latest reports indicate that about 30 percent of Rwandan women still give birth at home, according to The New Times of November 12. In the United States of America, there is debate regarding the right to a home-based birth. In the developing world, debate about promotion of health facility-based births is meant to avert maternal deaths. Yet the challenge of women preferring to give birth at home seems likely to continue. In my opinion, we should help equip our traditional birth attendants with the same knowledge and skills that are given to ‘professional midwives’ such that they can assist women in childbirth. Such people need to be taught the Dos and Don’ts during childbirth to avoid any repercussions that may arise from ignorance. In my view, traditional birth attendants should be incorporated into a maternal and child healthcare policy. It is my hope that the Ministry of Health will look into my suggestion. Jesica KiraboKicuciro

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Incorporate traditional birth attendants into health care policy