Remote & Underserved Regions of Meghalaya

Meghalaya TBAs Training Program

A structured capacity-building program aimed at strengthening safe delivery practices, newborn survival, and maternal health outcomes.

Program Logo
Traditional Birth Attendant Training

Why this program exists

In many rural and tribal areas of Meghalaya, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a critical role where access to skilled healthcare is limited.

Home deliveries without skilled medical supervision.

Delayed recognition of maternal & newborn danger signs.

Limited access to emergency referral systems.

Inadequate infection control and resuscitation practices.

Need to upgrade skills of TBAs for safer deliveries.

Program Overview

Program Overview

Implemented in partnership with the Government of Meghalaya, this program focuses on training and strengthening TBAs to deliver safe, evidence-based maternal and newborn care at the community level.

Training sessions are conducted at:

  • Nearest Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
  • Community Health Centres (CHCs)
  • Village community halls, Schools, and Anganwadi centers

To ensure participation and inclusivity:

  • Food allowances and travel reimbursements provided
  • Accommodations in collaboration with Govt. facilities
  • Support enables participation from remote villages

Who We Serve

The program directly supports:

  • Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs)
  • Pregnant women and newborns in rural and tribal communities
  • Families dependent on community-based delivery support

Indirectly, the program strengthens the entire maternal and newborn care ecosystem at the village level.

Who We Serve - Meghalaya Maternal Health
What the Training Covers

What the Training Covers

The training curriculum is structured, practical, and aligned with national and global best practices.

Core Training Modules

  • Delivery Process
  • Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) & Survive (HBS)
  • Helping Mothers Survive (HMS)
  • Infection Control (IC) & Quality Improvement (QI)
  • Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) Components
  • Antenatal & Postnatal Care (ANC / PNC)
  • Identification of Danger Signs & Timely Referrals

Practical Tools & Kits

  • Delivery Kit
  • Newborn Resuscitation Kit

Hands-on demonstrations and practice sessions ensure TBAs gain practical confidence, not just theoretical knowledge.

How the Program Works

Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are identified and mobilised using official government records, as the Government of Meghalaya maintains a village-wise list of TBAs across the state.
The program is implemented in two structured phases: Pilot Phase and Scale-up Phase. This phased approach allows learning, refinement, and wider coverage.
Sessions are conducted at PHCs, CHCs, Anganwadi, Schools or community halls, whichever is most accessible for participants.
Food and travel allowances are provided to ensure consistent attendance and participation.
Trained TBAs are linked to nearby health facilities for timely referrals during complications.

Program Impact

The Meghalaya TBAs Training Program has successfully strengthened community-level healthcare, leading to safer outcomes for mothers and newborns across the state.

2,800+

TBAs Trained

12

Districts Covered

100%

Practical Completion

Key Qualitative Outcomes:

  • Improved identification of high-risk pregnancies at the village level.
  • Enhanced skills in neonatal resuscitation and infection control.
  • Increased institutional delivery referrals from remote tribal areas.
  • Standardized care practices aligned with national health guidelines.

Case Studies

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Saving Lives in Remote Villages

In the East Khasi Hills, a trained TBA successfully identified early signs of neonatal distress during a home delivery. Using her HBB skills, she stabilized the newborn before referral.

Feb 10, 2026
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Bridging the Gap to Institutional Care

A TBA from Garo Hills has consistently facilitated referrals for high-risk pregnancies, ensuring mothers receive specialized care at health facilities rather than attempting home births.

Feb 12, 2026
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Standardizing Care Across Districts

By aligning village practices with national guidelines, the program has created a unified network of care that spans all districts, reducing maternal mortality risks significantly.

Feb 15, 2026

Partnerships & Collaboration

The Meghalaya TBAs Training Program is implemented in close collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure institutional alignment and long-term sustainability.

GOV

Government of Meghalaya

PHC

Public health facilities (PHCs & CHCs)

COM

Community institutions and frontline workers

Support the Meghalaya TBAs Training Program

Your support helps strengthen safe delivery practices and newborn survival in some of the most remote regions of Meghalaya. Partner with us to build safer beginnings for mothers and newborns.

Support the Meghalaya TBAs Training Program

Support the Meghalaya TBAs Training Program

Your support helps strengthen safe delivery practices and newborn survival in some of the most remote regions of Meghalaya. Partner with us to build safer beginnings for mothers and newborns.

Partner with us