Buy One, Gift One Impact Story - Ethiopia
UNICEF ESARO ENC 1 and ECL&B training
As part of the strategic partnership between Laerdal Global and UNICEF, referral hospitals in Eastern and Southern Africa are being transformed into Learning Hubs to train and mentor 10,000 maternal and newborn healthcare personnel by 2025.
To support the Unicef Learning Hub in Ethiopia, Laerdal's Buy One, Gift One program distributed simulators and educational materials to help amplify the impact.
A five-day training covered the Essential Care During Labor and Birth (ECL&B) and Essential Newborn Care (ENC) courses. These training modules are part of the suite of Helping Mothers and Babies Survive programs developed with leading organizations and in accordance with the most recent WHO guidelines.
Dr. Nahom Wubshet participated in the training and reflects on the impact.
What was your experience with the Essential Care During Labour & Birth (ECL&B), and Essential Newborn Care (ENC1) training methodology?
“My experience with the training was extremely interactive and engaging. Having attended numerous trainings in the past, I can confidently say that this training stood out from the rest. The sessions were enjoyable and informative, with everyone actively participating. One aspect that truly set it apart was the simulator. This allowed us to put into practice what we had learned in a hands-on manner. It provided us with an actual experience of the training, making the concepts more tangible and easier to understand. Overall, this training was a valuable and impactful learning experience that I will not soon forget.”
What were the biggest challenge(s) you were facing to be able to develop and maintain competencies?
“I have attended similar trainings in the past, including during medical school. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the lack of training manikins that offered the services we needed. Many of them were outdated and did not meet current standards. This had a negative impact on the training outcomes and the participants' confidence in applying their newly acquired skills to real-life scenarios.”
How did simulation help resolve some of your training challenges and how you imagine you will continue to train yourself and others to maintain competence?
“The implementation of advanced training techniques has greatly improved our learning experience, making it more efficient to apply our knowledge and boost our confidence. Moving forward, I am committed to incorporating these strategies into future training sessions to further develop our skills and capabilities.”
Have you felt that your simulation training (skills training, team training, etc.) resulted in improved confidence? Better skills? Better patient care?
“Of course! Simulation training is instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice. This form of training has immensely helped me in providing care to patients with empathy, a higher standard of care, and improved skill and confidence.”
What has had the biggest impact on your experience?
“It has equipped me with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to provide high-quality care. As a healthcare provider, I now feel more confident in managing complex situations and ensuring the safety and well-being of both mothers and newborns. Overall, the ECL&B training has made me a more compassionate and competent healthcare provider, and I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my professional journey.”
What are the 3 most significant ways you feel the training helped you?
“Firstly, the training provided me with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills related to Essential Care During Labour & Birth (ECL&B) and Essential Newborn Care (ENC). Secondly, it has introduced me to the Holistic Approach to childbirth. That childbirth is not just about medical interventions; it’s also about emotional support, dignity, and cultural sensitivity. Thirdly, communication and teamwork are critical in healthcare. The training has equipped me with these soft skills also.”
Do you recommend this type of training to other healthcare personnel? If so, why?
“Absolutely! I highly recommend this training to fellow healthcare professionals. I firmly believe that it is essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes.”
Do you think your training will influence your clinical practice? And if so, how?
“Yes! It will certainly influence my clinical practice positively. I am now better prepared to provide comprehensive care to mothers during labor and birth. The training also reinforced the importance of ongoing professional development, and I am committed to staying updated on best practices and incorporating them into my daily practice.”