PIP: Appropriate training of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) can both increase the proportion of births attended by trained persons and enhance linkages between rural communities and modern health services. Described is a TBA training program in newborn care developed by the Rural Neonatal Care Project in Maharashtra State, India. To improve attendance, a sub-center was established for TBAs from the northern part of the primary health care area. In addition, an effort was made to train women who assist the TBAs (usually a close relative). Two training sessions per month were held for 6 months, then the frequency was reduced to once a month. TBAs received 5 rupees for attending a training session and an additional 5 rupees for each registered birth. The training, delivered by lady health visitors and auxiliary nurse midwives, used photographs and dolls to communicate information about keeping the newborn warm, resuscitating a depressed baby, identifying very small infants, and safely transporting at-risk infants to the primary health care center. Also addressed were immunization, management of diarrhea, and referral of acute respiratory infection cases. Program evaluation highlighted the importance of brief, task-oriented sessions that use demonstrations, case histories, oral questioning, and reviews of material presented in earlier sessions. Since TBAs have extensive experience in deliveries in village conditions, they should be regarded by trainers as equal partners.