Adama Delphine: From Dogged Opponent To Leading Facilitator!

It is an age-old practice. That was highly appreciated in times past. But with the passing of time - and the penetration of orthodox medicine - its demerits have increasingly come to the fore. Today, it is virtually nonexistent in most Cameroonian communities. As a result of sustained public health awareness campaigns. The practice, nevertheless, continues to resist. Albeit, desperately, in just a few remaining communities.

Traditional birth attendants have known their hey days. When health facilities were rare. Now, most of the remaining practitioners understand the signs of the times. And have acknowledged their limitations. As they cannot handle complications. And the risks - including possible death - are high. Quite high and incriminating!

Adama Delphine, 45, is a former traditional birth attendant. Who practised for 10 years.  “I began with my grandmother and mother at the age of 35. But stopped in 2015 after being sensitised by the Ministry of Public Health on the risks of delivering women at home,” recalls the native of Libong village in Faro and Deo Division of Adamawa Region. Located 60 km from Tignere, the divisional headquarters. And 80 km to Ngaoundere, the regional capital.

Later in 2018, Adama joined forces with the Islamic Development Bank, IsDB-funded Maternal, Newborn and Infant Health Support Project, MNIHSP. And has since been directing and accompanying pregnant women to Libong Integrated Health Centre for safe delivery. After undergoing training organised by UNICEF in Tignere and Libong. The project is technically supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.

 “It is safer to deliver women in health facilities. In the event of complications, the staff are better placed to handle them. Since 2018, I have accompanied about 35 women in labour in the tricycle-ambulance offered by UNFPA to Libong Integrated Health Centre where they all delivered safely,” Adama recalls with a broad smile. “I love the work. This is quite better. As a traditional birth attendant, all I got per delivery was a piece of laundry soap! But today, Libong Integrated Health Centre offers me 3,000 FCFA for each safe del...