Each year, we bring a program developed by the WHO (Helping Babies Survive/Helping Mothers Survive) for education of health care providers in resource poor countries. We employ a trainer-of-trainers model to disseminate knowledge and skills to all of the health care workers, anyone who may be called upon to attend the delivery of a baby, throughout Gulu District, Uganda.
Last year, the midwives of Gulu District Uganda recognized the need for further training in the management of women at high risk of preterm birth and requested that we bring that training this year. This program is still under development by the WHO and not readily available, but after learning more about our work, the WHO granted us permission to use it prior to being released. We presented the training to a group of midwives from Gulu District, some of whom are WOtW Master Midwives who will continue to train their colleagues following our departure. They were as engaged with the learning as ever before! We then watched them train a second group.
During this second two day training, the need for this education made itself apparent when a woman presented to Awach Health Center IV (right where we were conducting the training) with a condition putting her at high risk for preterm birth. She graciously allowed one of our trainees, Nurse Patrick Ocen, to practice his new and refined skills.
Nurse Patrick Ocen evaluating the patient while WOtW instructors
Dr. Meg Carmel and Midwife Jane Anying look on.
He gathered a history, performed her examination and determined a diagnosis and management plan brilliantly. He presented the case to the group of trainees. Her case highlighted the importance of this training to the learners and was such a powerful way to integrate all that we have done while here. The mother’s willingness to engage with our team, a choice she certainly did not have to make, underscores the engagement of the community in building up their health care system. We’re so proud of our learners and thankful to this community for working together to ensure a healthy start for every mother and baby!
(P.S. The following day Lucy delivered a 1.9 kg (a little over 4 pounds) baby. The baby did not have difficulty breathing or feeding – we attribute that to Patrick’s management!)
Patrick discussing the mother’s management with WOtW instructors Dr. Meg Carmel and Midwife Monica Akello