Volume 10, Issue 2 p. 270-286

Maternal Health, War, and Religious Tradition: Authoritative Knowledge in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone

Amara Jambai

Amara Jambai

District Medical Officer Pujehun District, Sierra Leone

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Carol MacCormack

Corresponding Author

Carol MacCormack

Department of Anthropology Bryn Mawr College

486 Walnut Hill Rd., Millersville, PA 17551Search for more papers by this author
First published: June 1996
Citations: 9

Abstract

In Sierra Leone constraints to ideal maternal health require a primary health care approach that includes collaboration with traditional midwives. They are authoritative figures embedded within local political structures and a powerful women's religion. The local causes of maternal risk are described, including civil war and refugee camp life. Traditional midwives provide vital services in the camp, are respected for their social status, and learn additional skills. Biomedical and traditional systems of authoritative knowledge, based on different kinds of legitimacy to heal, are in a complementary relationship. [midwives, primary care, Sierra Leone, risk, war, religion]