The role of the village midwife in detection of high risk pregnancies and newborns.

The preliminary findings of a prospective study of perinatal, neonatal and maternal mortality carried out in a rural community of Sudan are reported. Out of 6275 deliveries monitored over a period of 3 years, 150 stillbirths, 167 neonatal deaths and 27 maternal deaths were observed. An intervention program to upgrade the skills of the village midwives started in the middle of the second year. There was a 25% reduction in the risk of unfavorable outcome of pregnancy (i.e. stillbirth and neonatal death) in the third year relative to the first 2 years. Peer review of the 40 village midwives who took part in the study revealed their tremendous potentials in mobilization of mothers as well as participation in primary health care. Their role in detection of high risk pregnancies and newborns cannot be overemphasized.