The Arba Minch University-Inter University Cooperation (AMU-IUC) Program successfully hosted a two-day workshop titled "Train the Trainers: Helping Mothers Survive" on June 24-25 at the NechSar campus hall. This initiative aimed to equipping participants with vital maternal and newborn care skills aimed at reducing maternal mortality and ensuring safer childbirth.Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Wanzahun Godana, leader of AMU-IUC Project III, kicked off the event by discussing the project's comprehensive goals for enhancing teaching and research capacity, funded by VLIR-UOS. "This training is a stepping stone toward empowering frontline healthcare professionals to provide critical care to mothers and newborns," Dr. Wanzahun remarked. He highlighted the success of previous partnerships, which have enabled more PhD candidates in health sciences to pursue advanced studies at Belgian universities, fostering international collaboration.
Facilitator Hanan Abdurkadir, a PhD candidate within Project Phase II, emphasized the training's goals to strengthen emergency maternal care. She introduced hands-on simulation modules designed to enhance healthcare providers' skills and confidence. In the coming months, six health facilities across four districts in the Gamo Zone will benefit from extended training sessions and provides essential manual books, and also posters.
Hanan highlighted the collaborative learning approach, stating, this participatory platform not only improves technical skills but also creates opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices among healthcare providers. Fifteen health professionals with midwifery backgrounds participated in the workshop, demonstrating strong engagement through practice sessions and discussions.
Prof. Yves Jacquemyn, an esteemed gynecologist from the University of Antwerp and a key trainer for the workshop, emphasized the importance of hands-on training to prepare health professionals for real-life scenarios. The focus on simulation-based learning gives participants the tools to handle emergencies like severe hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, he explained. Prof. Jacquemyn’s expertise in obstetrics and urogynaecology provided crucial insights into delivering quality care during childbirth.
Key topics covered throughout the workshop included Essential and Respectful Care, management of Prolonged and Obstructed Labor, Vacuum-Assisted Birth Techniques, Severe Hypertension, and Post-Birth Hemorrhage Control. The training began with a pre-course test to assess participants' baseline knowledge and concluded with a post-course evaluation to measure knowledge gained and gather feedback.
The workshop employed simulation-based learning methods, including realistic case scenarios, group discussions, and skill-practice sessions to reinforce critical thinking, teamwork, and practical application. A notable success during the training was the effective simulation management of severe postpartum hemorrhage, showcasing the program's real-world impact in preparing health professionals to handle emergencies.
This workshop marks a significant milestone for maternal healthcare in the region. By empowering trainers to disseminate advanced skills and knowledge, AMU-IUC aims to elevate maternal health standards and reduce mortality rates. Such initiatives ensure safer births and healthier futures for mothers and newborns in the Gamo Zone, paving the way for sustainable healthcare solutions.
For more Information Follow us on:-
Website - https://www.amu.edu.et/
Telegram - https://t.me/arbaminch_university
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ArbaMinchUniversityccd/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOO_nclhMo8M3r74OyPBlVA
Public and International Relations Executive