UNICEF invests in health workers to improve maternity and newborn care in Syria
Strengthening capacity of midwives and nurses by providing workshops and practical trainings
Damascus Hospital, Damascus, Syria: “We aim to strengthen the capacity of health workers who support mothers and newborns. We know that these participants will also spread the knowledge they gain, thereby widening health education within their communities,” said Nesreen, responsible for the capacity building project at the Ministry of Health in reference to a UNICEF-supported training provided to nurses and midwives.
In May 2024, UNICEF facilitated a three-day training at Damascus Hospital, involving 25 health workers from various public hospitals across Syrian governorates. Participants included nurses, midwives, and health personnel trainers. This session was part of a series of six trainings conducted between April and June 2024, aimed at building health worker capacity, broadening their knowledge, and introducing them to the latest scientific advancements in maternity and newborn care.
The course covered a comprehensive range of topics, including the physiology of pregnancy; common medical complaints during pregnancy such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding; shoulder dystocia (when one or both of a baby's shoulders get stuck inside pelvis) during childbirth, and the latest labor techniques.
“We face different emergency cases where all medical personnel must assist. It is crucial for them to have a solid understanding of maternity and newborn care procedures to effectively contribute when needed. These trainings play a positive role in reducing neonatal deaths and stillbirths.”
“Participants are eager to receive new information. Such training not only enhances their knowledge and skills but also motivates them to improve their performance. These workers are critical, and we always need to enhance their self-confidence and stress on their vital role in saving lives.”
“As a midwife trainer, I should always be up to date with the medical information to be able to answer the questions of my trainees. This training provided a great opportunity for learning.”
“The lecturers are knowledgeable. They answered our questions and provided examples from their own experience to increase our understanding.”
“People always approach me seeking medical advice. I should have the right information to be able to support. Attending such training is very helpful to ensure we have the right information.”
“I want to transfer every piece of information I have learned to my colleagues and students and spread the benefit of the acquired knowledge among them.”
“The training filled the knowledge gaps I had at both theoretical and practical levels. I will pass all the acquired knowledge to my students.”
“I enjoyed this training so much. The information I received was not only useful for my career but also for my personal life as a woman.”
“I benefited from this training as a mother and a trainer. It debunked some of the perceptions I had and strengthened my understanding on this topic.”
“Medical science continually evolves; therefore, these trainings are necessary to keep health workers updated on the latest developments in the field.”
Since the beginning of 2024, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has reached 375 health workers through 10 maternity and newborn care capacity-building trainings and one workshop on neonatal resuscitation. These initiatives are funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Denmark.
