{"id":275720,"date":"2024-12-19T16:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/venusdesign.biz\/dev\/?p=275720"},"modified":"2025-01-17T01:50:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T01:50:13","slug":"exciting-updates-from-the-wotw-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/exciting-updates-from-the-wotw-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Exciting Updates from the WOtW Team: Progress, Partnerships, and Upcoming Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.0&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Since our last update, the WOtW US and Ugandan teams have been hard at work, staying in constant communication across continents. We are excited to share important milestones and developments with you!<\/p>\n<h2>A New Office for the Ugandan Team<\/h2>\n<p>One of the most significant changes is the new office space for our Ugandan team. Thanks to the generosity of the government\u2019s District Health Office, the team now has a dedicated, rent-free office in Awach. This is not just about having a physical space\u2014it&#8217;s a symbol of the trust and respect shared between the DHO and WOtW. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to the support of our donors, the office has been fully equipped with tables, chairs, computer equipment, and reliable internet access. This has made a huge difference in the smooth operation of our online meetings. Gone are the days of constant disconnections and freezing screens\u2014our virtual collaboration is now faster and more productive than ever.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/wotw-blog-exciting-updates-zoom-photo.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;wotw-blog-exciting-updates-zoom-photo&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-style:italic;\t&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;font\t-style:italic;\t&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">From top left clockwise: Dr. Matthew Kane; Dr. Meg Carmel; Nyeko Richard Ssemujju, Apiyo Susan, and Akello Monica; and Dr. Ann Markes\u2026closing off another successful meeting.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;clear:left;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Training the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers<\/h2>\n<p>Concurrently, the Ugandan team has been working diligently on a crucial annual project\u2014training new healthcare providers in Gulu District. Every year, the district hires approximately 20 new nurses, midwives, and clinical officers. It\u2019s WOtW\u2019s mission to ensure that these professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to manage unanticipated complications of childbirth.<\/p>\n<p>This past August and September, the team conducted four intensive training sessions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>3-day training<\/strong> on Essential Newborn Care 1 and 2<\/li>\n<li><strong>3 x 2-day trainings<\/strong> on:<br \/>&#8211; Bleeding After Birth<br \/>&#8211; Pre-Eclampsia\/Eclampsia<br \/>&#8211; Essential Care for Labour and Delivery\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This project is both large and costly, but it\u2019s so important to the success of our mission. We believe that every healthcare provider who may attend a delivery must have the knowledge to recognize and manage complications. The feedback from trainees makes it clear that the impact is significant:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cThe knowledge I have gained is life-saving.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe training is going well, and the trainers are just excellent. Please continue this to build the capacity of healthcare workers in maternal and child health.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe session on PPH [post-partum hemorrhage] is a game changer for both me and the mothers under my care.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWonderful training\u2014may it continue.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe training is really very necessary for front-line healthcare workers.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Well On their Way is proud of what we have accomplished and is excited to continue expanding our reach.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/wotw-blog-exciting-updates-group-photo.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;wotw-blog-exciting-updates-group-photo&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;50%&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;float:left;&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||0px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;clear:right;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Preparing for the January 2025 Training in Gulu District, Uganda<\/h2>\n<p>Both the US and Ugandan teams are preparing for the next training project. The focus is on <strong>Care if High-Risk Preterm Births<\/strong>\u2014a WHO curriculum aimed at recognizing a mother at risk of preterm birth, providing initial management, and referring her to a facility where she and her baby will be best managed.<\/p>\n<p><em>Did you know that preterm birth is the leading cause of death worldwide among children under five?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The majority of these deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Managing preterm births is particularly challenging in Gulu District, where access to diagnostic tools like ultrasound is limited. Unlike in the US, where gestational age can often be accurately assessed with an ultrasound, most mothers in Gulu District do not have access to this technology.. In preparation for the upcoming sessions, the US team\u2014Meg Carmel, Catherine Burke, Matt Kane, Ann Markes, and Ruth McDonald\u2014spent a November weekend in Western New York to review the training materials and finetune the details. . The last step was an online meeting with two midwives from the Ugandan WOtW team, ensuring everyone was aligned and ready to go.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/wotw-blog-meg-ann-matt.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;wotw-blog-meg-ann-matt&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-style:italic;\t&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;font\t-style:italic;\t&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Left to Right: Drs. Meg Carmel, Ann Markes, and Matt Kane reviewing materials for the January 2025 training.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;clear:right;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Getting Ready for the Next Phase<\/h2>\n<p>Behind the scenes, Matt has been busy making sure that all the training materials are printed and ready to go. So far, we\u2019ve printed over 100 pounds of materials! Additionally, we&#8217;ve purchased two laptops for the Ugandan team members and 10 blood pressure cuffs for local health centers.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, we would love to provide the Ugandan team with smartphones that can help them in their work\u2014something durable and capable of supporting their day-to-day needs. If you know of a source for affordable, high-quality smartphones for international projects, please reach out! We would appreciate any leads!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;clear:right;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>A Heartfelt Thank You<\/h2>\n<p>As always, we are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our donors, advisory board members, partners, and everyone who follows our work. Your contributions make all of this possible and help us continue to improve maternal and child health in Gulu District. Stay tuned for more updates! We&#8217;ll be posting frequently while in Uganda, sharing stories, progress, and more.<br \/>Thank you again for your interest and support!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since our last update, the WOtW US and Ugandan teams have been hard at work, staying in constant communication across continents. We are excited to share important milestones and developments with you! <a href=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/some-exciting-updates-2\/\">Read More ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"section\" _builder_version=\"4.25.0\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row admin_label=\"row\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<p>So much has been happening.\u00a0 During our March 2024 on-site meeting in Uganda we developed an ambitious 12 month \u201cwork plan.\u201d \u00a0We are particularly proud to say that the team in Uganda has been successfully completing the expectations that they set for themselves.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In May 2024 one skilled health care provider from each of the 26 health centers in Gulu District attended a one day course taught by WOtW midwife trainers to learn the WHO updates of Essential Newborn Care 1 and 2 (previously Helping Babies Breathe and Essential Care of Every Baby). These representatives returned to their health centers and educated all of their colleagues on the new information. Updates happen periodically and we are pleased that we now have a good protocol in place for disseminating these updates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/F6bZ52uaORU\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_orientation=\"center\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-style:italic;\t\" custom_css_free_form=\"font\t-style:italic;\t\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<p>\u201cIt is always good to be prepared to help a baby breathe.\u00a0 This provider is practicing her skills.\u201d<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"50%\" custom_css_main_element=\"float:left;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<ul>\n\t<li>In June 2024 WOtW conducted a pilot training of 26 Village Health Team members in Paibona Subcounty. This was a two-day training on maternal\/child health. They used a curriculum developed by the Ministry of Health called The Wheel of Good Practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/wheel-of-good-practices-wotw.png\" title_text=\"wheel-of-good-practices-wotw\" align=\"right\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"50%\" height=\"604px\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||5px|20px|false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"float:right;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_css_main_element=\"clear:left;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<p>The training will be followed by 6 months of monitoring to determine if our stated goals are achieved:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increase immunization rates in the first year of life<\/li>\n<li>Increase the number of mothers presenting for prenatal care early and regularly<\/li>\n<li>Increase the number of mothers delivering in a facility rather than at home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of these goals have been demonstrated to improve health outcomes in mothers and babies. If the goals are achieved, we hope to expand this training to ALL the Village Health Team members in Gulu District (over 400); this would be a very big undertaking. We will keep you updated.<\/p>\n<p>WOtW trainer, Ojokomoi Bosco, clearly had his trainees engaged. You can see this, even without understanding the local Luo language!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_css_main_element=\"clear:both;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_video et_pb_video_1\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\t<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\t<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\t<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\t<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\t<div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><div class=\"fluid-width-video-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top: 56.2963%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VHT training\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PnmdKZ-m5BQ?end=35;feature=oembed\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\" name=\"fitvid1\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\t<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<\/div>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_line_height=\"1.75rem\" text_orientation=\"center\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-style:italic;\t\" custom_css_free_form=\"font\t-style:italic;\t\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<p style=\"text-align: left;\">WOtW trainer, Ojokomoi Bosco, clearly had his trainees engaged. You can see this, even without understanding the local Luo language!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"50%\" custom_css_main_element=\"float:left;\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/wotw-ngo-certificate.jpg\" title_text=\"wotw-ngo-certificate\" align=\"right\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"51%\" custom_margin=\"|20px|0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"|40px|5px||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"float:left;\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px|||20px|false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"clear:right;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<ul>\n<li>Well on Their Way has officially become a <strong>Community-Based Organization<\/strong> (CBO) in Uganda. This certification was an important step for us as an organization, giving us local recognition and enabling us to collaborate with other organizations on the ground.<\/li>\n<li>Refresher training of the 5 core curricula has been continuing in 8 week segments. Our midwife trainers have been busy transferring training equipment from one health center to another and providing mentorship, traveling miles by motorcycle over dirt roads to do so.<\/li>\n<li>Gulu District Ministry of Health recently hired over 20 new skilled healthcare workers who will be working throughout the district in one of the 26 health centers. The WOtW medical team is now gearing up to provide \u00a02 day training sessions of each of the five core curricula, ten days total, spread throughout July and August. This is one of the largest and most costly annual undertakings for Well on Their Way, but it is so important to be sure that <em>every<\/em> skilled health worker has the requisite skills to be prepared for emergencies at the time of childbirth and to provide the best care possible to every mother and baby.<\/li>\n<li>We are already starting to make plans for our 2025 site visit to Uganda and will give more details about our training plans and new team members in our next blog!<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||0px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/controlled-cord-traction-1.jpg\" title_text=\"controlled cord traction-1\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/controlled-cord-traction-2.jpg\" title_text=\"controlled cord traction-2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font_size=\"18px\" text_orientation=\"center\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-style:italic;\t\" custom_css_free_form=\"font\t-style:italic;\t\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<p>Master Midwife trainer Apiyo Susan demonstrating controlled cord traction after delivery, followed by demonstration by her trainee.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-275720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=275720"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275720\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":275749,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275720\/revisions\/275749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=275720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=275720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=275720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}