Bridging the Maternal Health Gap in Myanmar

Women and childbirth are at the heart of society, representing the beginning of life and the continuity of communities. Our “Saving Mothers at Delivery” project is dedicated to enhancing the skills of health professionals in Myanmar to better manage obstetric emergencies and improve maternal care. 

In our mission to ensure the health and safety of women in Myanmar during childbirth, we initiated a comprehensive training program. This program focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of health professionals involved in surgical deliveries and the provision of immediate care during obstetric emergencies. 

In May 2024, 16 health professionals participated in an online training on advanced emergency obstetrics. Additionally, five online discussion sessions were conducted in June 2024, offering case discussions and Q&A opportunities. These sessions were designed to enhance theoretical knowledge in managing obstetric emergencies. 

Following the online training, we organized in-person sessions at two training sites: one in Yangon and another in Taung Gyi, located in the southern Shan state. The in-person training was led by a team of retired senior obstetricians and professors from Myanmar. These sessions provided the previously trained health professionals with simulation exercises, drills, and procedural demonstrations to develop essential skills for managing obstetric emergencies. 

Ensuring the health and safety of women during childbirth is crucial, as it not only safeguards the well-being of mothers but also secures the foundation of families and the future of societies. Thank you for being a part of this life-saving journey. 

Our project in Myanmar focuses on bolstering the capabilities of local health workers, particularly in obstetrics and anaesthetics. Over the past quarter, we organized a comprehensive 5-day training program on Advanced Emergency Obstetrics and Anaesthetics, made possible through collaboration with esteemed UK NHS doctors. This initiative attracted 60 dedicated health workers from various regions of Myanmar. Among them, 20 participants underwent Ultrasound training, 9 received Anaesthesia training, and 31 engaged in Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) training. These sessions were meticulously crafted to address critical gaps in healthcare delivery and empower participants with indispensable skills for handling emergencies. 

A notable highlight of our endeavour was the fruitful collaboration with UK NHS doctors, who generously shared their expertise to facilitate the training sessions. This partnership not only ensured the delivery of top-tier training but also fostered invaluable knowledge exchange between international and local healthcare professionals. 

The training program left a discernible impact on both the participants and the broader healthcare landscape. By focusing on ultrasound diagnostics, we aim to enhance maternal healthcare outcomes by equipping health workers with the ability to diagnose obstetric complications accurately. Additionally, the anaesthesia training provided crucial skills to ensure the safety and efficacy of surgical interventions. Moreover, the EmOC training expanded access to life-saving obstetric care services, potentially mitigating maternal mortality rates in Myanmar. 

Looking ahead, we are steadfast in our commitment to sustaining the progress achieved through this training initiative. Our future endeavours include the continuation of targeted training programs to empower local health workers further and tackle emerging healthcare challenges head-on. Furthermore, we aspire to explore additional partnerships and funding opportunities to broaden the scope and impact of our initiatives, thereby contributing to the enduring enhancement of healthcare outcomes in Myanmar. 

The training program in Advanced Emergency Obstetrics and Anaesthetics stands as a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to fortify the healthcare system in Myanmar. Through collaborative partnerships, unwavering dedication, strategic interventions and the support of our donors, we remain resolute in our mission to effect enduring improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for communities throughout Myanmar.