By Lovemore Khomo
Chief of Party for Momentum Tikweze Umoyo project, Marriam Mangochi has underscored the need for equitable access for health care mainly during pregnancy and child birth through skilled work-force in Malawi.
Mangochi was speaking during trainings the project recently organised on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care that intends to equip nurses and midwives with knowledge and skills to reduce maternal, newborn, and child morbidity and mortality in Malawi.
She said the training is part of the efforts by the project to strengthen the capacity, knowledge and skills of health workers for nurses and midwives provide timely and appropriate care for pregnant women and newborns.
“Identifying and managing complications, conducting safe deliveries, and providing postpartum care are key skills that nurses need to enhance for their everyday work.” explained Mangochi.
Mary Msiska a nursing officer at Karonga District Hospital expressed commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and children she serves, as she strengthens competencies in dealing with childbirth complications through training.
‘I am now confident that I can deal with any complications that may arise when a woman is giving birth. I have been trained on how I can resuscitate neonates and young infants with respiratory and cardio respiratory conditions.” said Msiska.
Sylvia Kandiyera, a Master Trainer on integrated maternal and neonatal health care, said having skilled health workers with expertise and competency to handle childbirth complications is very key in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in Malawi.
“This is a timely intervention since not all our health workers have the skills to handle pregnancy related complications, as one of the leading causes of neonatal deaths in Malawi is asphyxia- which is a lack of blood flow or gas exchange to or from the fetus.” explained Kandiyera.
The organisation says has invested at least K30 million to support the training of 90 health workers including nurses, midwives and clinicians from Chitipa, Karonga, Nkhotakota, Kasungu and Salima where the project is being implemented.
The project is supported by the American people through USAID and is being implemented by Amref Health Africa in Malawi in collaboration with a consortium of six partners namely: WaterAid, Youth Wave, Family Health Services, Emmanuel International, FPAM and D-Tree.
