Bukola Afeni
In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has partnered with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) to launch a three-day Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training in Kano.
The program, which commenced on 18th November 2024, at the Provost Complex, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, is training 31 residents from institutions affiliated with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
As part of the Global Health Workforce Program, the initiative is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care, aiming to develop a more resilient health workforce across Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
The program supports Health Partnerships between UK and African institutions, with a focus on bidirectional learning.
Advocacy and Communications Manager at WBFA, Miss Jennifer Eziuloh, said the training highlights shared commitment towards empowering healthcare professionals with the tools they need to save lives.
“It is through partnerships like this that we can make meaningful efforts in achieving equitable and quality healthcare for all”.
`”This approach not only transfers knowledge and skills but also fosters collaboration between institutions to create sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery,”` said Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director, LSTM.
The AOSS training is designed to equip resident doctors with critical, hands-on obstetric and surgical skills necessary to manage life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth. This effort is crucial in reducing Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which remain a significant public health challenge.
The partnership between LSTM and WBFA demonstrates a shared dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s health systems by addressing workforce gaps and fostering practical, impactful learning opportunities. With a focus on long-term capacity building, the Global Health Workforce Program is geared towards a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.
As the training continues, it is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare workforce in Kano and beyond, ultimately contributing to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Nigeria.
