Neonatal Resuscitation training program held in Accra

The Church of Latter Day Saints in conjunction with the Paediatric Society of Ghana organized a week long training programme on Neonatal Resuscitation from 5th May 2014 at the Headquarters of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Accra.

Neonatal deaths currently account for over 40 percent of under-five deaths globally, the majority of which (99%) occur in low and middle-income countries. Three quarters of all neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life with the highest risk of death being on the first day of life. Timely and effective neonatal resuscitation is essential in the bid to significantly reduce neonatal mortality rates in Ghana.

On Monday 5^th May, 16 facilitators from various hospitals within the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions were assessed and certified as either an Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation Facilitator or a Facilitator for ‘Helping Babies Breath’.

The Advanced neonatal resuscitation programme was held on the 6^th and 7^th of May for doctors. The second part of the programme (Helping Babies Breath) held on the 8^th and 9^th of May targeted midwives and nurses involved in newborn delivery. Participants were drawn from multiple centers within the following regions: Upper West, Ashanti, Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Western, Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions.

20 doctors participated in the Advanced resuscitation training and were taken through lectures as well as practical training and simulation sessions. Participants particularly enjoyed the intubation session during which all participants learnt and practiced intubation of a newborn within 30 seconds. This was achieved successfully after a lot of practice.

Over 70 nurses and midwives participated in the ‘Helping Babies Breathe’ training sessions on the 8^th and 9^th of May. Participants were trained to assess the newborn, provide temperature support, stimulate the baby to breath and provide assisted ventilation as needed, all within the first “Golden Minute” after birth. Participants received certificates of competency as well as training materials and equipment to be able to train others in their respective facilities.

Members of the Paediatric Society of Ghana will monitor the participating facilities that received equipment for training in order to ensure that training is ongoing in these centres. It is expected that this training of frontline health personnel will contribute significantly to Ghana’s efforts in reducing newborn deaths.