TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS AND HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY IN NORTHWEST GHANA: OPERATIONAL DYNAMICS AND NEW FRONTIERS

Abstract

In the context of the Upper West Region of Ghana, the author sheds light on the dy- namics in the practices and roles of Traditional Birth Attendants in community health service delivery. With reference to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Charta and Lamoussie communities, the study explored the trend inpractices and roles they play in community health delivery systems. Drawing on empirical datafrom a quali- tative research approach, the author notes that one of the most significant changes in the health sectors of rural communities is a change in thepractices and roles of Tra- ditional Birth Attendants. He argues that over the past few decades, this change represents improvements in hygienic and clinical practices of Traditional Birth At- tendants in child delivery services. In addition, the roles of new generation Tradi- tional Birth Attendants have transcended their traditional role of baby delivery ser- vices or midwifery. The author notes that new generation Traditional Birth Atten- dants have assumed new roles in the general domain of community health services through increased collaboration with public health institutions. In the context of these changes, the author concludes that byfocusing on the practical gender health needs of rural women, Traditional Birth Attendants are increasingly participating in health service management decision-making. As a corollary, Traditional Birth Atten- dants have made a significant leap in the total effort towards addressing strategic gender needs of women in rural northwest Ghana.