Western University

Published purpose

The project's objective is to establish a sustainable and cost-effective model of delivering training, providing continuing mentoring, coaching and outreach for continuing professional development in emergency care and access in maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH). It builds on the model initiated by the University of Western Ontario under the Muskoka Initiative, directly addressing the ability of health care providers in district hospitals and the health centers to care for women, infants, and children presenting with complications before, during, and after birth. This includes ensuring sustainability through the development of a cadre of well-trained professionals to continue the training and mentoring of other MNCH providers in the future. Activities include: (1) delivering workshops and short-term training sessions with MNCH mentors and coaches; (2) delivering workshops with nursing and midwifery faculty to integrate enhanced MNCH, gender and health concepts in the pediatric nursing and midwifery curriculum; and (3) providing support to strengthen programs in pediatric nursing and midwifery. It is expected that by the end of the project (or soon thereafter), the majority of health care providers in the targeted areas of each country are able to provide improved emergency care to pregnant women as well as mothers of babies and newborns, and have a network of ongoing support. This project is expected to contribute directly to the improved health of 3,300 women, 1,800 men, 670 boys and 630 girls in targeted areas of Rwanda and Burundi needing emergency obstetrical and pediatric care, as well as the health care providers that are receiving the training. Because of the security situation in Burundi, activities there are currently on hold.