Advanced Life Support on Obstetrics (ALSO) Training at FAME
As part of FAME’s critical investment in maternal health services, it provides education and capacity-building opportunities to its team. FAME’s reproductive health program currently employs 21 nurse-midwives, seven medical doctors, and a staff of technicians. Continuing education for FAME’s medical team keeps them updated on the latest advances in care and treatment, enhances practices and protocols and improves patient care.
Last week, FAME hosted a four-day obstetrics training course for its nurses and doctors, to equip them with skills to effectively manage obstetrics emergencies, which are life-threatening for pregnant women and their babies. The course, Advanced Life Support on Obstetrics (ALSO), was led by Professor Mlay Pendo, OB/GYN, and assisted by Dr. Elibariki, both from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi.
ALSO is designed to equip the entire maternity care team, including physicians, nurse midwives, registered nurses, and other members of the maternity care team, with skills to effectively manage obstetric emergencies and improve outcomes for women and newborns.
Nine nurses and three doctors from FAME took part in the training. FAME also invited its neighbor health centers to participate: Kambi ya Simba Health Center, Rift Valley Hospital, Karatu Lutheran Hospital, Rhotia Health Center and the district-designated hospital, Karatu Health Center. They all sent a representative to the course.
Some of the topics covered in training included: the management of active third-stage labor, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, resuscitation of newborns and vacuum extraction, among others.
After completing the course, the attendees reported a significant increase in their comfort level in managing obstetric emergencies and a greater intention to continue improving maternal care.
“The training was excellent. I did an obstetrics course in 2016 and again in 2018, but this one was completely different! So much new information and updates in obstetrics in the last couple of years! I’ve updated my knowledge and skills, and I’m thankful to FAME for giving us this opportunity.”