LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation to improve emergency obstetrics in Nigeria

The Emergency Obstetrics and Quality of Care (EmOC&QoC) Unit of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has announced its collaboration with Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) to enhance emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in Nigeria.

Nigerian Tribune reported that the project was funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme, which is funded by the United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and managed by Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) for the benefit of the UK and partner country health sectors.

The partnership is aimed at bolstering the capacity of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to deliver Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills training to resident doctors. The project will establish two centres of excellence in northern and southern Nigeria, where the training course will be delivered.

The principal investigator of the project and lead of the LSTM’s EmOC&QoC Unit, Professor Charles Ameh, said: “Our Unit has extensive experience in delivering maternal and newborn health capacity strengthening interventions in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.

“This project offers us the opportunity to further expand our impact in Nigeria in tackling the high maternal and newborn deaths by training local doctors in life-saving skills for the care of pregnant women and their newborn babies.”

Founder-President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs Toyin Saraki, expressed her organisation’s commitment to the project, adding, “We are honoured to partner with LSTM and THET in this endeavour. Improving access to quality EmONC services is essential for reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates in Nigeria. Through this collaboration, we aim to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to save lives.”

“This week, 30 lead faculty members are being trained as trainers at the centre of excellence in Lagos, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to ensure continuity and sustainability.

“The training initiative marks a significant milestone in LSTM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in Nigeria and beyond. By harnessing the power of partnerships and innovation, LSTM and WBFA are paving the way for improved maternal and newborn health outcomes in the region,” she added.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE