Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care are interventions provided to pregnant women and newborns experiencing fatal complications, including severe bleeding, infection, prolonged or obstructed labor, eclampsia, and asphyxia in the newborn.
The trainings that were held from Monday were provided through a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Rotary Clubs of Williamsburg and Kigali-Gasabo and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
The program educated the selected healthcare workers to manage complications in women and newborns, as well as responding to these medical emergencies in their own health facilities and communities.
Marie-Rose Habihirwe, a healthcare worker, welcomed the initiative, saying that the trainings increased their knowledge in treating well patients.
An employee from the health Ministry’s department of Emergency Medical Assistance Service (SAMU), Jean Marie Uwitonze appreciated the government’s efforts in providing healthcare workers with necessary resources to excel.
“Over time, a lot has been done such as new ambulances and other needed resources that the government purchased. Although there are still some challenges that we meet in our department, this milestone is very commendable.” Uwitonze said
Speaking to the press, Dr. Sudha Jayaraman who is an Associate Professor of Surgery in Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, lauded the initiative and expressed the team’s commitment in supporting the trainings.
“I started to collaborate in 2011 with colleagues from CHUK. I realize that there is an important part of the health system with SAMU, which has been really supported by the Ministry of Health. This is very rare in most places. We realize that and we are committed to work together to support them.” Dr. Jayaraman said
“For the last decade the SAMU team has grown tremendously in terms of staffing, capital investment. Where they need support is actually in the training in the latest best practices for emergency care. In order to bring them there, we have created these short courses, with skills that helped them to try out. They are eager to learn and perform; they are ready to manage everything.” He added
Commenting on the move, Rotary Club District 9150 ADG, Jeanette Rugera who was a doctor in Italy for 19 years, said that Healthcare was a pillar in the development of a nation.
“This is an important initiative, because it focuses on upgrading lives of Rwandans. It is also a great educational medium on Emergency medical services and we hope that it will better these services in our country.” Rugera said
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