The Role of Traditional Birth Attendants in Reducing Neonatal Mortality Rates in Coastal Yemen: An African Perspective

Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal and neonatal health across various African contexts. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from health records and qualitative interviews with TBA practitioners was employed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for numerical findings and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. TBAs reported a 15% reduction in neonatal mortality rates compared to non-TBA managed births (95% CI: -30%, 5%). Interviews revealed that TBAs' knowledge of local birthing practices, early recognition of complications, and provision of basic first aid significantly contributed to improved outcomes. The findings suggest the potential for increased collaboration between traditional birth attendants and formal healthcare systems to enhance neonatal survival rates in coastal Yemen. Healthcare providers should integrate TBAs into community-based maternal health programmes, offering training and supplies while respecting cultural practices. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.