Innovative technologies in strengthening mother and child health care systemAshgabat, Turkmenistan, 6 February 2013 – This week a key group of teachers from all five medical colleges, who specialize in pediatrics, have advanced their knowledge on the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI). The distinctive feature of the training process was the participants’ exposure to the computerized learning tool offering an innovative teaching methodology on IMCI. The seminar was a result of joint cooperation between UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan in strengthening the capacity of primary health workers in the area of the mother and child health.
This capacity building process was initiated in 2011 by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry with UNICEF’s technical support. The adapted into Turkmen language UNICEF/WHO electronic course on IMCI and Pediatric HIV care created a unique learning platform for primary health care specialists, core faculty of the State Medical University and medical colleges. Introduction of this computerized self-learning package into under- and post graduate levels of the medical education system was an important strategy to enhance the capacity of future front-line medical workers, including family nurses. In Turkmenistan family nurses play a prominent role in day-to-day interactions with families and parents on issues of child health and development. The
Ministry of Health and Medical Industry with UNICEF’s support is taking actions
towards providing quality healthcare services for all children. Exposure of a
young generation of family doctors, nurses and pediatricians to IMCI, which
promotes the well-being of the whole child, is another step in advancing their
knowledge in line with best world practices. This will eventually contribute to
the health systems’ strengthening and especially to the increased effectiveness
of the primary health workers delivering health services in communities.
Adoption
of an integrated approach to child health and development is getting greater
prominence in national development policies of Turkmenistan. This commitment is
reinforced in the National Early Child Development and School Readiness
Programme for 2011-2015, developed and being realized with UNICEF’s technical
support. For more information please contact: Ms. Sachly Nazarova Ms. Ayna Seyitlieva
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