Campaign launched to increase access to hands-on training in academic institutions in low-resource settings
University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) and Laerdal Global Health are inviting academic institutions in low-resource settings to submit an application to receive birthing simulators, with the aim of improving the care mothers and newborns receive on the day of birth.
MamaBirthie and MamaNatalie are the two birthing simulators included in this partnership campaign, and can be used to support healthcare personnel to better manage normal birth and birth complications, like postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Successful applicants will also receive accompanying Helping Mothers and Babies Survive educational materials, to enhance training.
Partnership aims
Launched at the ‘Advancing Medical Education in Africa’ conference, in Kigali, Rwanda, the partnership, and subsequent distribution of MamaBirthie and MamaNatalie simulators, aims to encourage academic institutions strengthen their capacity and resources on simulation-based programs with focus on improving health outcomes for women and newborns.
We hope that this campaign and the distributed simulators will have a catalytic effect, inspiring institutions to further embed simulation-based education into their programs or enhancing existing programs so they can better serve trainee healthcare providers. It is important that providers begin their careers being both competent and confident so they can make the difference between life or death.
Tackling stagnating maternal mortality statistics
Every year, more than 300,000 women die from birth complications. Most maternal deaths from occur in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia (WHO, 2024).
Simulation based training can help healthcare providers capacity and competence to provide maternal care and to confidently identify, prevent and manage birth and birth complications. Every healthcare student should graduate with competence and confidence to provide quality maternal and neonatal care. Simulation-based training can make this happen.
Improving outcomes for women at birth is one of the driving aims of the Laerdal Buy One, Gift One program, which is making the distribution of these simulators – free of cost – possible.
Applications from academic institutions will be accepted from March 24 2025 until May 25 2025. These will be evaluated and shortlisted based on program aims, objectives, sustainability and impact potential.
Simulation-based medical education has been proven effective in developing essential skills and enhancing collaboration among medical teams—critical factors in saving lives. However, limited resources have hindered its widespread adoption in medical education across Africa. UGHE is thrilled to partner with Laerdal Global Health to create greater opportunities for medical schools and training institutions throughout Africa to implement simulation-based education, ultimately improving the quality of care delivery for mothers and their newborns.
For eligibility information, terms and conditions, and to apply, click here.