In the heart of Ituri province, a critical initiative has been rolled out to strengthen the skills of health care providers, with the overarching goal of reducing maternal mortality in the region. Through specialized training in obstetric and neonatal techniques, 150 health providers, including 84 women, recently completed an intensive program in the Niania and PK 51 health zones, located in Mambasa territory.
The training, organized and conducted by local health professionals, was designed to provide participants with the skills needed to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies. Dr. Joseph Pemanakuwe, the chief medical officer of the zone, emphasizes the critical importance of this initiative to prevent the preventable deaths that have already affected several women this year.
Through these trainings, health providers not only acquired in-depth expertise in life-saving obstetric and neonatal care techniques, but also in the early detection of high-risk pregnancies, thus enabling rapid and effective referral to better equipped health facilities.
“The main concern during this training was to raise awareness on the main causes of maternal deaths, highlighting issues such as postpartum hemorrhage. Our goal was clear: to prevent these preventable deaths and ensure the safety of women and infants during the perinatal period,” explains Dr. Pemanakuwe.
In addition to acquiring specialized knowledge, participants were trained in the proper use of the partograph, an essential tool for monitoring and assessing labor and delivery, as well as ensuring appropriate follow-up of the mother and fetus.
Dr. Pemanakuwe’s expectation of the trained providers now rests on their ability to put the skills acquired into practice, ensuring that each delivery takes place in optimal safety conditions. Raising awareness about the detection and management of high-risk pregnancies is crucial to ensure adequate patient care and to prevent potential complications.
In short, this specialized training marks a significant step forward in the fight against maternal mortality in the Ituri region. By strengthening the skills of health providers and focusing on risk prevention, it paves the way for a safer future for expectant mothers and their infants.