Traditional midwives in Kenya to get Sh200 for every hospital delivery

Lucia Soroi (Right) and Makuko Edia who are traditional birth practitioners attend to a patient at Sigor in West Pokot County. The Government plans to pay TBA’s Shs200 monthly. PHOTO: KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD

KISUMU: The County Government has entered into partnership with traditional birth attendants to help reduce the number of expectant mothers delivering babies at home. The midwives will receive Sh200 for every mother referred to a medical facility.

Home deliveries are risky and are the cause of the high number of infant deaths. Health authorities said home deliveries had become increasingly risky, with still births or deaths on the rise, hence the decision to actively involve the traditional midwives.