Traditional Birth Attendants and Policy Ambivalence in Zimbabwe
Author
Source
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-05-07
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
This paper analyses the importance of the services rendered by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to pregnant women in Zimbabwe.
It argues that, though an integral part of the health system, the ambivalence in terms of policy on the part of the government leaves them in a predicament.
Sociocultural values as well as tradition imbue TBAs power and authority to manage pregnancies and assist in child deliveries.
On the other hand, government policies expounded through the Ministry of Health (MoH) programs and policies appear to be relegating them to the fringes of healthcare provision.
However, in a country with a failing health system characterized by mass exodus of qualified personnel, availability of drugs, and understaffing of healthcare centres, among others, TBAs remain the lifeline for many women in the country.
Instead of sidelining them in healthcare interventions, I argue that their integration, however, problematic and often noted to be with disastrous consequences for traditional medicine, presents the sole viable solution towards achieving MDGs 4 and 5.
The government and MoH should capitalize on the availability of and standing working relations of TBAs with the grassroots for better/positive maternal health outcomes.
In a country reeling with high maternal deaths, TBAs’ status and position in society make them the best intervention tools.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Choguya, Naume Zorodzai. 2014. Traditional Birth Attendants and Policy Ambivalence in Zimbabwe. Journal of Anthropology،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-495746
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Choguya, Naume Zorodzai. Traditional Birth Attendants and Policy Ambivalence in Zimbabwe. Journal of Anthropology No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-495746
American Medical Association (AMA)
Choguya, Naume Zorodzai. Traditional Birth Attendants and Policy Ambivalence in Zimbabwe. Journal of Anthropology. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-495746
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-495746