Additionally, the Linda Mtoto program provides training on safe birthing practices and childcare services to midwives and informal caregivers throughout the countryside.
The level of knowledge about safe birthing practices was also low among TBA.
In our study most births at home were conducted by dai who lacked professional training in safe birthing practices.
Low-literacy level of the HOH was another important predictor indicating the need to raise awareness of safe birthing practices.
Today up to 45% access the services which include HIV testing and counselling for women and their partners, access to anti-retroviral medicine for mother and baby, safe birthing practices and advice on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
A maternity facility or hospital is designated 'Mother and Baby-friendly' when it does not accept free or low-cost breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles or teats, and has implemented 10 specific steps to support successful breastfeeding and safe birthing practices.
In 2004, just 9 per cent of women in need had access to prevention services, which include HIV testing and counselling for women and their partners; access to anti-retroviral medicine for mother and baby; use of safe birthing practices; and advice on exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months.
Since in many parts of the world there are no immediate alternatives to HBAs performing home deliveries, in the short term, it appears reasonable to provide those conducting home births with training in safe birthing practices and the recognition of life-threatening complications, while at the same time, linking them as strongly as possible with the formal health system.
Men's involvement has been tested in different contexts and found to be beneficial in a number of domains, including safer birth practices [ 10], family planning [ 11– 15], HIV prevention [ 16, 17], maternal workload, birth preparedness and emergency obstetric access [ 18, 19], and partner communication and emotional support [ 4, 15, 18, 20].
