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Joining forces to improve midwifery training in Sierra Leone
13 December 2010
Mundo and the University of Midwifery Education and Studies Maastricht (AVMU) will carry out a (€200,000) Cordaid project in Sierra Leone. This two-year project entitled “Support for Midwifery training in Sierra Leone”, aims to address the problems midwifery education encounters in this country.
Sierra Leone is among the countries with the poorest health indicators in the world. In addition to poor infrastructure, personnel shortages, insufficient drugs and medical equipment, existing health professionals are not only inadequately trained but also unequally distributed around the country.
Mother and child mortality rates in Sierra Leone are alarming. Currently, most deliveries are done by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) and Maternal & Child Health (MCH) -aides, who both do not qualify for the title of “skilled birth attendant”. In face of this situation, there is a dire need for a larger number of skilled midwifes, especially in remote areas of the country.
The project “Support for Midwifery training in Sierra Leone” is a joint collaboration between Maastricht University (via Mundo) and Hogeschool Zuyd (via AVMU). Following an earlier initiative carried out by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), this project, starting in January 2011, aims to address the problems midwifery education encounters in Sierra Leone.
The focus of the project will be on capacity building of the teachers and managers of the midwifery schools in Sierra Leone, with specific focus on the recently established Makeni Midwifery School. Midwifery school staff will be trained in teaching and learning as well as in construction and maintenance of curricula.
A series of workshops will be organised to train the staff of Makeni Midwifery School. During the workshops the participants will acquire knowledge and skills and apply what they have learned in a work related situation. As far as technique and time allow, there will also be long distance support through an on-line learning platform. While addressing all elements relevant for responsible teaching and learning, the training will have a very practical approach and will be carefully tailor-made to meet the needs of the participants.
Budget has been reserved to train two staff members of the midwifery schools on a higher level, for instance by doing the Joint Master of Health Professions Education at Maastricht University. Investments will also be made in sustainable low-budget learning resources, mostly to provide for skills training needs.
For more information about this project, contact Annechien Deelman
For more information about Mundo, please visit their website
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