Making it happen: a programme of education in Kenya

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• High rates of maternal and neonatal mortality persist in developing nations.
• Global efforts have led to a decline in these mortality rates since 1990.
• Targeted programs are crucial for further improvements in obstetric and neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and impact of a "skills and drills" training program for obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
• To share the volunteer experience of a UK midwife facilitating this program in Kenya.
• To highlight a practical initiative addressing critical health outcomes in a low-resource setting.

Main Methods:

• Delivery of a "skills and drills" training course focused on obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
• Training provided to healthcare professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
• Qualitative description of a volunteer midwife's experience facilitating the program in Kenya.

Main Results:

• The 'Making it happen' program, funded by the UK government, is actively contributing to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
• Such training initiatives demonstrate a positive impact on healthcare professionals' skills in managing emergencies.
• The program's delivery in Kenya, a region with poor health outcomes, offers valuable insights into practical application.

Conclusions:

• Intensified training programs are effective in improving healthcare provider skills for obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
• International collaboration and targeted initiatives can significantly contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
• Volunteer experiences provide crucial qualitative data on the real-world effectiveness of global health programs.