In Mali, the Capacity Project is collaborating with USAID’s Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage Initiative and the Ministry of Health to demonstrate an expanded role for matrones—a cadre of health worker—in active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL), a recommended practice to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

In recent months, the Project created a technical advisory committee, completed a baseline study at pilot sites, developed a training strategy and materials and conducted trainings for matrones. The Project continues to make supervision visits to trained matrones in their work environments, along with trainers from the national training team.

The coverage of AMTSL is over 90% in most sites. Issues identified include infection prevention and availability of supplies for delivery.

September 2007