By Colleen O'Connor | Development Specialist
Empowering women to help women
Through the education of young health extension workers, we continue to expand the use of misoprostol for PPH prevention in efforts to save lives throughout Ethiopia’s nine regions. Reaching mothers where they deliver – whether at a facility, home alone or on the way to a distant health clinic – our project is equipping these young frontline providers with the knowledge and skills to use misoprostol for PPH prevention, treatment, and referral on clean and safe delivery.
This year we have expanded our cascade trainings into the SNNPR (Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples) region which is one of the largest regions in Ethiopia, making up a fifth of the country’s population. With less than ten percent of its population living in urban areas, the region is overwhelmingly rural as well as ethnically diverse (over 80 different ethnic groups; 56% indigenous to the region). Using a cascade or train-the-trainer method to spread messages on PPH management not only is cost effective but allows us to empower local providers to help mothers in their respective communities survive childbirth and pregnancy. More importantly, it increases ownership of the training and the likelihood of success.
Within the SNNPR region, we have conducted cascade trainings in six “kebeles” or neighborhood associations across three districts, reaching 183 frontline providers (health extension workers, nurses, midwives, and health officers). The providers trained on the use of misoprostol for PPH prevention and treatment will assist their fellow health workers develop confidence in managing delivery using misoprostol to help reduce maternal death due to PPH.
As we approach Mother’s Day, we would like to extend our deepest thanks for your support through Global Giving in making childbirth safer for all mothers. Please consider continuing your support by joining our “I am a mother” campaign and giving through Global Giving or visiting us online to learn how to get involved – www.vsinnovations.org/mothers.
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