International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Many women in Tanzania may not survive childbirth if they are looked after by traditional birth attendants, an official has warned.

According to Rose Mlay of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, lots of these people lack sufficient knowledge and training in obstetrics, the Tanzania Daily News reports.

Indeed, she argued that many traditional birth attendants are refusing to adopt modern means of aiding women throughout childbirth and are instead letting themselves be guided by superstition.

As a result, Ms Mlay is worried that many females may not survive if they are in their hands when having a baby.

"Going to a traditional birth attendant for childbirth is an act of risking death of a mother or a newborn," she commented.

Ms Mlay said the lack of knowledge among those helping the mother can lead to complications occurring throughout the delivery, before adding they need more scientific awareness so they can respond to any issues that arise.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie