[Training for rural matrons in Ouahigouya Hospital (Upper Volta) (author's transl)]

In Ouahigouya District (Upper Volta), more than eight pregnant women out of ten have no chance to be supervised or delivered by a midwife or a nurse. This situation is the consequence of the poor facilities of the Public Health Service whatever attempts have been made to improve it. Consequently, the Province Medical Authority has considered the value of matron(s) selected by the village community. Practical and technical training is given in Ouahigouya hospital and dispensaries. The education programme envolves basic information and learning know-how for pre, per and post-natal periods. The importance of an early diagnosis of risks of dystocia is emphasized. Further training sessions are scheduled, but the follow-up and the evaluation of the training already carried out is still to be done.