Traditional midwifery between tradition and modern expectations : case of some traditional midwives in Adjelhoc, a Tuareg community, East-Northern Mali

Abstract

In Adjelhoc, women, in most cases, prefer to stay at home throughout their entire pregnancy and to get help in childbirth only from traditional midwives, even if they live near a community health centre which could provide them with modern care. To lessen the gap between the community and the local health workers, DDRK is currently supporting six traditional midwives in Adjelhoc in acquiring modern skills and equipment. Collaborating with DDRK these traditional midwives have been given a new task as middle-persons between the community and professional health workers of bringing women to the health centre both for antenatal visits and for childbirth. The integration of traditional midwives into the local health system is seen as beneficial for health workers. However, traditional midwives, who have always been highly respected because of their knowledge and the vital assistance they offer the community are now having their status threatened due to the reluctance of local women to visit the health centre (especially in earlier stages of their pregnancy). Traditional midwives find themselves in an ambiguous position between the professional health sector (health centre and DDRK) and the community.