Despite the free maternal health care offer, little or no change has taken place in Homa Bay county, whose maternal death rate is 583 per 100,000 live births. This is largely because of the active role Traditional Birth Attendants, locally known as min Jossy, play in helping women deliver at their homes. Akoth says she has helped thousands of women deliver babies at her home in Sofia estate, Homa Bay town. Abuya says trainees in public hospitals rarely understand the birth complications dogging safe delivery as midwives do. Homa Bay Health executive Richard Muga acknowledges the role played by traditional midwives but encourages expectant women to deliver in health facilities.

Source: The Star May 21, 2018 21:22 UTC