You can see pictures of the TBAs (Traditional Birth Attendants) tending their garden.  The last picture shows them preparing rice.  

Part of your donations goes to supporting projects like this; you fund micro-grants to help the TBAs buy tools and seed, and to hire the labor for clearing the fields.  

The TBAs take their role as community health agents seriously.  We've taught them the importance of nutrition, so they grow food for needy pregnant women in their villages.  They sell the surplus to provide cash for women who need care at the clinic or transportation and to buy supplies for their TBA houses and other needs.  They hold back part of the harvest to use for seed for the next year.  They work this garden in addition to working their own farms, caring for their families, and providing maternity care.

We're leaving July 27, to return the first week of September, and will spend about a week with the women you see in these pictures.  We're not training a new group, but spending a week or so with each of the previous groups to check on their community health projects and to provide continuing education.  In addition, we'll talk with those we will train in the Winter 10 session.  

The very cool thing is that we will have a TBA Jamboree at Daru, the site of our most recent training, and are inviting all MOMS TBAs!  We'll have a dance to celebrate, and we'll also conduct business.  Mostly, we want them to build relationships with each other for support and community.  

We're scrambling to get all the supplies we need.  Items for the mama/baby packs and TBA kits are desperately needed.  At this point, money is best!   

We've received a report from the Chief Health Officer at one of our villages (Pellie).  He says the amazing fact of NO TBA-related demises attracted the attention of the Ministry of Health.  After some research, they determined that this tremendous improvement results from MOMS' training - that you made possible!  In addition, the TBAs in Jokibu also reported no maternal demises, and only a few neonatal deaths.  All were correctly referred to the clinic for care.  MOMS TBAs have learned to make a difference!

I saw one report that stated that maternal deaths with TBA caregivers were at about 6-12 per year in a nearby cluster of villages with about 3,000 residents; this probably reflected the situation in Pellie.  Now there have been none in Pellie for two years!  A few deaths have occurred, but they were in the clinic or hospital - the TBAs referred correctly and in a timely manner, as we taught them.  

On another note, I just read a book by a former VSO volunteer to Sierra Leone named Emily Joy.  The book is called Green Oranges on Lion Mountain.  I found it an excellent picture of life in Sierra Leone (Dr Joy worked with the Mende people west of our location, in the area near Bo).  I cheerfully recommend it to you.  

I know things are tight, and I know you have already given generously.  And I ask your ongoing help for these women.  They too are affected by global politics and economics, and they have no cushion, no alternatives.  And your gifts clearly make a difference.

Please check out our website for lots more information:  www.globalmidwives.org .  Donate buttons take you to PayPal where you can use your PayPal account or pay by credit card.  

Thank you so much.  These successes are yours, as well as the TBAs, because you made them possible.  

Trish