Framework For An Integrated Community Approach To Obstetric And Neonatal Emergencies

From 1999 to 2004, Catholic Relief Services (CRS)-Honduras implemented a safe motherhood program aimed at decreasing maternal and neonatal mortality in rural settings with limited access to care by strengthening the management skills of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). CRS' approach was based on the "life saving skills" methodology developed by the American College for Nurses and Midwives.

CORE Group provided support to CRS to disseminate several products arising from the project, available in both English and Spanish. These products include a TBA manual; a training plan for TBAs and maternal health aides; and facilitator's guides for training TBAs and community emergency transport committees.