International health experts, specifically pediatricians and neonatologists have recently gathered in Addis Ababa on occasion of the NICU International Workshop held by Doctors with Africa CUAMM in collaboration with Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies – UENPS, The Ethiopian Pediatric Association – EPA and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health at the Italian Cultural Institute. During the international workshop, the Minister of University, Research and Higher Education in Arts and Dance, Senator Anna Maria Bernini – who was on a diplomatic visit to Ethiopia, payed a visit to the ongoing meeting accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr. Agostino Palese.
The two-day scientific workshop brought together international experts and healthcare staff from 42 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), as well as representatives from regional health offices, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, and the WHO. The goal was to strengthen clinical and methodological skills to improve neonatal survival in Ethiopia.
“This workshop is a great opportunity for exchange and training – explains Fabio Manenti, Cuamm Program Manager –. The discussion space we have managed to create, involving the world’s leading neonatology experts, along with the dynamic participation that has emerged, demonstrates not only the strong interest in the subject but also the willingness of Ethiopian colleagues and professionals to engage.”
The workshop is part of a project implemented by CUAMM and designed based on a Survey on Delivery Room Resuscitation and Neonatal Respiratory Care in NICUs in Ethiopia conducted by UENPS. The results from the survey have been presented by Prof. Moretti – UENPS Director General and examinated with the health professionals attending the event in a plenary discussion. Needs analysis and expected results have been identified by representatives from health facilities of different level during the focus group.
“As Cuamm, our commitment is now to support the implementation of these plans. The challenge remains finding alternative and adaptable strategies for a country like Ethiopia, where most newborns are either born at home or in centers with poor levels of care” concludes Fabio Manenti.
In this regard, training health professionals is crucial and it is precisely within this perspective that a 2-day course for trainers (Training of Traineers – ToT) was held at the Black Lion Hospital on January 30 and 31st, following the workshop. 20 Ethiopian neonatologists got involved in Neonatal Resuscitation Course for Trainers, the activity merged pedagogical components and group exercises on clinical practice. The newly instructed trainers will in turn engage a wider number of health professionals in additional training activities unlocking a trickle-down effect that enables staff in charge of maternal and child health and neonatology departments to provide essential and advanced care adequately. The final goal of the ToT is to build a pool of experts qualified on neonatal care at national level.
Moreover, by engaging the Ministry of Health (EFMoH) and fostering collaboration with the Ethiopian Society of Pediatrics (EPS) and international experts of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS), the project aims to establish sustainable partnerships and facilitate national and international exchanges that will bolster the entire neonatal care system in Ethiopia.
The event is part of the “Strengthening Neonatology in Ethiopia” project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation which supports neonatal intensive care services at Shire Suhul and Black Lion hospitals through advanced training for healthcare professionals and the development of intervention protocols based on the latest scientific evidence. The project is expected to directly benefit at least 160,573 newborns and 160,573 pregnant women.
