ArticleBMJ open2025
Unlocking the potential of traditional birth attendants in Somaliland: a qualitative study on healthcare system integration.
Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Pluralistic care pathways may compound care delays and health inequalities across urban, rural, and pastoralist Somaliland.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Closing the Referral Gap During Prolonged Labour in Somalia: From Traditional Birth Attendance to Emergency Obstetric Care.International journal of women's health · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesThe roles and functions of traditional birth attendants in the community and in relation to the formal healthcare system have to the best of our knowledge, not previously been explored in Somaliland. This study aimed to explore the past and current roles and practices of traditional birth attendants from the traditional birth attendants' perspective.
designAn exploratory study was conducted using purposive sampling technique first followed by snowballing technique from January to December 2023.
settingSomaliland rural communities in the six regions of the country.
participantsTraditional birth attendants from all six regions of Somaliland were interviewed. Thematic analysis inspired by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the data.
resultsTraditional birth attendants were historically involved in pregnancy care, childbirth and the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting. Their role has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Traditional birth attendants are increasingly acting as vital links between the community and the formal healthcare system. They report that they have maintained strong trust within their communities, which positions them as effective mediators in promoting access to professional maternal and reproductive health services.
conclusionTraditional birth attendants are becoming trusted intermediaries between the community and the formal healthcare system. In the pursuit of universal health coverage and the goal of delivering high-quality, equitable care for all, leveraging traditional birth attendants as part of a broader midwifery-led care model offers a cost-effective strategy in the Somaliland context.
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