I am shocked to learn that I can catch HIV because I do not protect myself when I deliver babies.

I was also shaken to learn that if an HIV positive mother does not receive medical follow up she will transfer the virus to her child. I am not able to do this. So I have vowed never to deliver babies again says Abubu, a traditional birth attendant who has recently completed a training organized by Christian Childrens Fund of Canada (CCFC). After more than 40 years of experience of delivering babies, seventy years old Ababu Jiru, declares her new understanding about delivering babies I have learnt much from the training. I now understand that I might not always be able to help women in labour. Although Ababu has delivered several babies successfully in the past she is learning with other fellow birth attendants about the potential dangers that are faced by mothers and children during the delivery. The training is part of a project called Improving Maternal and Child Health: Partnership and Action for Community Transformation Project (IMPACT). CCFC with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA,) is implementing IMPACT project in three districts in Ethiopia. Each day the joy of childbirth is celebrated across Ethiopia, but for some it is a heartbreaking experience which ends the life of both mother and child. Combating this tragedy and encouraging healthy childbirth will require that mothers have access to skilled birth deliver. So far more than 600 traditional birth attendants have been trained as part of IMPACT project. The training Ababu took emphasized on identifying a new role for the traditional birth attendants. The new role of the traditional birth attendants is to encourage pregnant women to give birth in health centers. During the training the traditional birth attendants were able to discuss about the major causes of death of women and children. They held extensive discussions about the main cause of death of women who give birth at home. One of the reason identified as cause of death during the training is obstructed and prolonged labour which often results in ruptured uterus. The training was able to show the traditional birth attendants that these women die preventable death because they are not able to receive adequate Traditional birth attendant Ababu Jiru on the skilled health assistance. During the project period there will be right accompanying Desta at Goljota health additional reflection sessions and meetings with them to ensure center that the traditional birth attendants continue serving their community with their new role. Today Abubu has come to Goljota health center accompanying twenty four year old Desta Tesemma who is pregnant with her second child. Desta is at health center for her regular medical checkup. Three years ago it was Abubu who helped her deliver her first child. I have told Desta that this time I will not be delivering her baby. But I have assured her that I will accompany her to the health center. I will be with her through her labour. Say Abubu The IMPACT project works to strengthen the overall health system in its operational areas including providing trainings for midwives, health officers and health workers. |The project also uses community health teachings to ensure that some traditional practices do not stand in the way of maternal and child health. In addition, the project provides support to 13 health centers and 59 health posts by supplying medicines, medical equipment and constructing Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health units. Promoting prevention and treatment of major disease and illness affecting the health of mothers and children, such as malaria and HIV/AIDS is an important aspect that is addressed by the project.