ASSESSMENT OF VILLAGE MIDWIVES SKILLS AT ELMANAGIL LOCALITY/ GEZIRA STATE/SUDAN SEPTEMBER 2007 – JUNE 2008

Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Sudan is one of the highest at regional and global level, 1107/100.000 live birth compared to 13-17/100000 in developed countries. Evidence showed that one of the effective strategic approaches to reduce maternal mortality is to increase the percentages of deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants. (SBA) This study is meant to assess the knowledge, attitude, and skills of village midwives at Elmanagil locality in relation to their provision of midwifery services. It is a cross sectional descriptive study with a comprehensive sampling technique in which all village midwives providing midwifery services at Elmanagil locality were included in the study. The assessment was done through direct interviewing, structured observation and practical demonstration of basic skills. Results showed that the majority of village midwives are illiterate 68.8%, their knowledge is good, but their performance in relation to neonatal care, standard infection control, procedures identification and referral of complicated high risk cases are poor. The study ended with the following recommendations, capacity building of existing village midwife through in-service training and continuous supportive supervision is urgently needed. Gradual replacement by qualified skilled birth attendants must be considered in the long term strategic country plans.