Traditional Birth Attendants in Rural Northern Uganda: Policy, Practice, and Ethics

Abstract

The current emphasis on skilled attendants as a means to reduce maternal mortality contributes to a discouraging policy environment for traditional birth attendants (TBAs). They continue to attend a significant number of births, however, such that their role and the policies and practices affecting their work remain important to understanding maternity health care and maternal health in the global South. In this article, I examine the policies and practices governing community elders practicing as TBAs in rural northern Uganda. This discussion is relevant to health workers in developing countries and to scholars in fields such as women's studies, sociology, and public health.

Notes

¹See, for example, The Guardian's articles “Traditional birth attendants show no sign of abandoning their work in Katine” (Malinga, 2010) and “Should Uganda ban traditional birth attendants?” (Murigi, 2010). The New Vision, the state-run newspaper, “Revisiting the policy on traditional birth attendants,” (Kabayambi, 2013) or in The Monitor, a leading independent daily, “Why traditional birth attendants will keep thriving” (Tegulle, 2013).

²The Guardian “Should Uganda ban traditional birth attendants?” (Murigi, Murigi, 2010). Post in a series on development in Katine, Uganda. March 30, 2010.