Over 300 simulators to be distributed globally to 14 midwives’ associations to tackle the leading cause of maternal death
At the ICM regional conference in Kigali, Rwanda, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and Laerdal Global Health announced a joint campaign aimed at improving access to simulation training for the prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in low- and middle- income countries.
Addressing the Leading Cause of Maternal Death
According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 women die each year from birth complications, with PPH accounting for more than 20% of these deaths. By enhancing the skills and confidence of midwives through simulation-based training, this campaign launched by ICM and Laerdal Global Health aims to support ICM member associations in countries with a high burden of maternal mortality, to grow, strengthen and to promote continuity of midwife care.
Strengthening Midwifery Care with Over 300 Simulators
ICM member associations were invited to submit project proposals for the opportunity to receive donated MamaNatalie simulators and Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding After Birth (HMS BABC) learning materials to improve access to quality midwifery care.
Based on a comprehensive evaluation of each application’s goals, objectives, sustainability, impact potential, and partnerships, 14 ICM midwifery associations were selected to receive a total of 324 MamaNatalie simulators. These associations submitted detailed project proposals, outlining how they plan to use the simulators to strengthen midwifery care in their communities.
The campaign was made possible through the Laerdal Buy One Gift One program (BOGO). For every birthing simulator bought through Laerdal Medical for use in a high-income country, one is donated to a country with a high newborn and maternal mortality rate and distributed to a program selected by Laerdal Global Health.
Nearly 1500 simulators donated through new BOGO partner campaigns
The joint campaign with ICM, is one of a number of Buy One Gift One partnerships launched in 2024.
More than 350 MamaBirthie CS simulators were allocated to 27 projects across 15 countries in partnership with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists. These MamaBirthie CS simulators will be used to support healthcare personnel to manage normal births, obstetric emergencies and prepare to handle necessary c-sections.
Another BOGO partner campaign with the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) will receive up to 750 MamaNatalie simulators and PPH training resources including Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding after Birth educational materials.
One of the most important criteria to the partners in the evaluation process was that the applicants were able to demonstrate how their project would have a long-term impact. This is both an impact on women’s health and access to quality services, and an impact on training models in their country.