The objectives of this article are (1) review the contribution of traditional midwives to family planning communication in several Asian countries; (2) organize knowledge gathered from various studies into general guidelines for the most effective use of traditional midwives in family planning programs; and (3) present hypotheses for future research. In certain countries where pilot projects have tested the potential performance of traditional midwives in family planning programs, results have been encouraging. In other nations, more research is needed to determine the contribution traditional midwives can make to the family planning program.
PIP: Traditional midwives are found in almost every village and in many urban neighborhoods in the developing world, delivering the majority of births in these areas. Several Asian nations have begun to recognize the potential contribution of traditional midwives to modern family planning and health programs. A total of about 17,000 traditional midwives have been trained as family planning recruiters in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Because traditional midwives deliver a large number of births in Asian nations, the potential is great for them to reach large numbers of women regarding family planning -- particularly poor, illiterate women. There is much to be learned from the traditional health system and governmental health and family planning programs should join hands with these older systems.
Current practices and available resources for nutrition therapy in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the Asia Pacific-Middle East region are expected to differ from western countries. Existing guidelines for nutrition management in critically ill children may not be directly applicable in this region. This paper outlines consensus statements developed by the Asia Pacific-Middle East Consensus Working Group on Nutrition Therapy in the Paediatric Critical Care Environment. Challenges and recommendations unique to the region are described.