Summits - SBCC and C4D
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Summits - SBCC and C4D
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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The impact of traditional birth attendant training on delivery complications in Ghana

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Smith, J. B., N. A. Coleman, et al. (2000). "The impact of traditional birth attendant training on delivery complications in Ghana." Health Policy and Planning 15(3): 326-331.

Objectives: In their efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, many national and inter-national agencies make considerable investments in training traditional birth attendants (TBAs). The value of TBA training is controversial, and plausible arguments are made both for and against. Numerous process evaluations are reported in the literature and the results are mixed, though generally positive. Outcome evaluations, however, are scarce. This article describes an outcome evaluation of TBA training conducted in two districts of Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana, during 1996.

Design and methods: Data from a random sample survey of 1961 clients of TBAs were subjected to logistic regression modelling to determine the effect of training on maternal outcomes, controlling for other independent variables. Results: Of eight outcomes modelled, three were associated with training and five were not. Three additional outcomes were not modelled, primarily due to low prevalence.

Conclusions: Despite some inherent design limitations, this study found that the evidence for a beneficial impact of TBA training was not compelling. Training sponsors should consider alternative health investments and, where TBA training remains the intervention of choice, be realistic about expectations of impact.