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  • LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, others celebrate as global health programme concludes

    LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, others celebrate as global health programme concludes

    The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), and various health partners have joined forces with key global and local stakeholders to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP) 2024.

    The Nigeria Sharing and Learning Event, held in Abuja and led by in-country Grant Manager Ducit Blue Solutions, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, brought together experts, health partners, and institutions, including the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, World Health Organisation, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. 

    The event reflected on the programme’s achievements, lessons learned, and its lasting impact on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    “I am honored to mark the significant progress we have made in strengthening the health workforce in Nigeria through the Global Health Workforce Programme. Today, we celebrate not only our achievements but also the resilience and dedication of our healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to deliver quality healthcare services to the Nigerian people. Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, more resilient health system for Nigeria,” said Dr. Kamila Shoretire, Director of Health Planning, Research & Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria.

    Read Also: 94-year-old man registers for 2025 UTME to study political science in UI

    Since its launch, the Global Health Workforce Programme has supported 14 health partners across Nigeria, the UK, Ghana, and Kenya, training 2,577 health workers in clinical skills, leadership, education, and Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI). 

    These efforts are already contributing to improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

    In her opening remarks, H.E. Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, emphasized the importance of investing in health workers: “The Global Health Workforce Programme is a transformative initiative designed to optimize, build, and strengthen the health workforce, supporting more resilient health systems post-pandemic and advancing progress towards Universal Health Coverage in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3. 

    Through its Health Partnership Initiative, GHWP fosters cross-border learning and capacity strengthening, ensuring that health professionals are well-equipped to provide high-quality care where it is needed most.”

    During a panel session on sustainability and the impact of training interventions, Prof. Charles Ameh, Head of the Global Health Emergency Obstetric and Quality of Care Unit at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, highlighted the programme’s success. 

    He noted the strong partnership between Wellbeing Foundation Africa and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), which led to the successful implementation of the initiative.”

    We have trained 95 consultants, 82 of whom are from the College. We also established two Centres of Excellence in Lagos and Abuja, fully equipped to reduce travel time for participants.

    Through our close collaboration with the College, we were able to tailor the training to reach more residents from affiliated institutions. Another key sustainability milestone is the integration of the Advanced Obstetrics Skills Course into the NPMCN curriculum.”

    In a press interview, Mrs. Estelle Mbadiwe, Founding Partner of Ducit Blue Solutions, emphasized the programme’s impact: “This initiative, conducted in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health, began with a comprehensive scoping activity where we engaged multiple stakeholders working with health workers across Nigeria. We identified national priorities critical to strengthening the health workforce, advancing Universal Health Coverage, and building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the country’s needs.”

    Through the Health Partnership, LSTM, NPMCN, and WBFA have made a tangible impact, training 225 doctors in the Advanced Obstetrics Surgical Skills Course (AOSS). Centers of Excellence have been established in Abuja and Lagos, with additional training sessions held in Kano and Enugu, strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals across the country. 

    By embedding the AOSS curriculum into postgraduate medical education, this initiative is securing long-term improvements in maternal and neonatal care, creating a stronger and more resilient healthcare system for Nigeria.

    This project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme, supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), benefiting both the UK and partner country health sectors.

  • LSTM, NPMCN, Wellbeing Foundation Africa commence advanced obstetrics surgical skills training in Enugu

    LSTM, NPMCN, Wellbeing Foundation Africa commence advanced obstetrics surgical skills training in Enugu

    As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), in collaboration with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) and with support from the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has commenced a three-day Advanced Obstetrics Surgical Skills (AOSS) training in Enugu State. 

    This impactful initiative highlights the commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.

    Hosted at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, the training convenes 29 resident doctors from various institutions affiliated with the NPMCN and 8 NPMCN Faculty trainers. 

    During the opening session, participants were introduced to the course objectives and the transformative potential of the training.

    Dr. Helen Allott, a senior Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians in the UK, has played a key role in training the NPMCN examiners and residents. 

    She highlighted the program’s powerful potential, emphasizing how the training enables participants to refine their decision-making and surgical abilities, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for mothers and newborns. 

    Read Also: LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa extend advanced obstetrics training to Kano 

    “This program empowers you to enhance your decision making and surgical skills, ultimately improving the quality of care for mothers and newborns,” she noted.

    Senior leadership at the opening session included Professor Emmanuel Inyidobi, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. Prof. Inyidobi expressed gratitude to LSTM and its partners for bringing the AOSS training to the region, aligning with the hospital’s federal mandate to: Provide high-quality patient care, Conduct cutting-edge research and Train healthcare professionals.

    Professor O.J. Umuoorah, a faculty representative, also addressed the participants, stating: “Obstetrics and gynecology require not just technical expertise but also sound decision-making. By the end of this training, you will leave more confident and better prepared to meet the demands of your profession.”

    Expanding this training program to Enugu further demonstrates the cascading impact of equipping healthcare workers with advanced skills. 

    It proves the collective commitment of LSTM, NPMCN, and WBFA to fostering a sustainable healthcare system and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

  • LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa extend advanced obstetrics training to Kano 

    LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa extend advanced obstetrics training to Kano 

    The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), in collaboration with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has taken a significant step toward bolstering Nigeria’s healthcare workforce by launching a three-day Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training in Kano.

    The program, which commenced on Monday, November 18, at the Provost Complex of Bayero University Kano’s College of Health Sciences, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, is equipping 31 medical residents from institutions affiliated with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

    As a key part of the Global Health Workforce Program, this training is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care. 

    The programme supports Health Partnerships between UK and African institutions, aiming to develop a more resilient health workforce across Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

    Read Also: LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation Africa to train NPMCN residents

    Bidirectional learning is at the heart of the Health Partnership model, said Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director, LSTM. 

    “This approach not only transfers knowledge and skills but also fosters collaboration between institutions to create sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.”  

    The AOSS training equips resident doctors with critical, hands-on obstetric and surgical skills necessary to manage life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth. 

    This effort is crucial as it aims to reduce Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which remain a significant public health challenge.  

    Miss. Jennifer Eziuloh, Advocacy and Communications Manager at WBFA, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This training highlights our shared commitment to 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.”  

    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.

  • LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation Africa to train NPMCN residents

    LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation Africa to train NPMCN residents

    The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), in partnership with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has commenced a three-day Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training for 32 residents from National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) affiliated training institutions from four states and FCT Abuja, at the NPMCN training centre in  Abuja.

    The partnership has brought about the successful training for 82 NPMCN examiners in May and June 2024 at two Centres of Excellence established under the programme in Lagos and Abuja.

    According to a statement signed by Jennifer Ifunanya Eziuloh, Advocacy, Communications and Campaign Manager, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, the project emphasizes on equipping medical professionals with advanced obstetric surgical competencies and maternity leadership skills, further strengthening Nigeria’s health workforce to meet critical healthcare needs.

    The statement reads: “Building on the on the collaboration with the college, the AOSS curriculum has been adopted to align with national standards.

    “The College’s senate is anticipated to approve the updated obstetric training curriculum in the coming weeks, a move that will embed AOSS content as a key component for obstetric training across Nigeria.

    “As part of an ongoing commitment to enhance healthcare practices and outcomes in Nigeria, the AOSS training addresses critical gaps in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality reduction strategies.

    “From 2000 to 2020, Nigeria achieved a 34 percent reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality rates, yet complications from pregnancy and childbirth remain a leading cause of preventable deaths. By preparing residents to manage medical emergencies even in resource-limited settings, the training enhances the clinical skills of health workers, supporting the joint mission of LSTM and WBFA to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and achieve sustainable impact.

    “In the current phase of the programme, trained faculty #NPMCN who were trained by #LSTM and #RCOGNLG earlier this year are leading and running the training.

    “This transition from initial training delivered by Nigerian Obstetricians in the diaspora affiliated with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (#RCOGNLG) illustrates the continuity and positive impact of this initiative.

    “These experienced facilitators now play a pivotal role in training the next generation of obstetricians, further embedding advanced skills and best practices within Nigeria’s health community, and supporting the country’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates among women and children.

    “As a long-term sustainability measure, the project aims to integrate the AOSS training course into the Faculty’s curriculum, making it a compulsory component of the training guide for doctors. The curriculum integration is currently under review by the college’s senate,” the statement stated.

    Speaking at the training, Professor Charles Ameh, Head of the Department of International Public Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, shared his hopes for the project, stating, “This training comes to an end in January, 2025 and at that stage we hope we would have trained upto 120 residents in the country”.

    He noted, however, that this number is not sufficient and expressed his hope that, with additional funding, the training can be extended to the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, thereby reducing logistical costs and enhancing healthcare sustainability.This project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) for the benefit of both UK and partner-country health sectors.

    As Nigeria continues to expand healthcare access, programs like the AOSS course not only improve healthcare delivery but also play an essential role in creating a healthier, more resilient population.

  • LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa commence third Batch of training for NPMCN examiners in Abuja

    LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa commence third Batch of training for NPMCN examiners in Abuja

    The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), in collaboration with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has commenced the third batch of the Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training for the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) faculty examiners in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

    The project, which was launched in February 2024, has trained 58 obstetrics and gynaecology doctors across the first two batches held in Lagos. The primary goal of this training is to enhance the capacity of NPMCN faculty examiners in training residents in obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN).

    The five-day training program, held at the National Postgraduate Medical College in Utako, Abuja, involves over 25 participants who will be trained by a team comprising three experienced facilitators from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Nigeria Liaison Group (RCOG NLG), five former trainees from NPMCN, and one expert from LSTM UK.

    The session began with introductions led by Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, and Dr. Helen Allott, the course director.

    Read Also: LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa begin second batch of training for NPMCN examiners

    They established ground rules and set the tone for an extensive training experience. Participants underwent a pre-test breakout session designed to assess their current knowledge, strengths, and areas for improvement, allowing the training to be tailored to their specific needs.

    Between 2000 and 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased by 34%, from 339 to 223 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UN inter-agency estimates.

    Despite constituting only 2.4% of the global population, Nigeria accounts for 10% of worldwide deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth. This disproportionately high rate impacts approximately 40 million Nigerian women of childbearing age (15 to 49 years old).

    This highlights the project’s aims to improve maternal and child healthcare outcomes throughout Nigeria, addressing Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates and seeking to reduce these numbers through targeted interventions and comprehensive healthcare strategies.

    By advancing the AOSS Competency-Based Curriculum for Resident Doctors in OBGYN at NPMCN, LSTM, and WBFA seek to ensure the provision of high-quality care for mothers and newborns in Nigeria.

    The Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills course focuses on advanced techniques and best practices for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, thereby directly contributing to enhanced healthcare delivery.

    The project is funded by the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET). It benefits both the UK and partner country health sectors.

  • LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa begin second batch of training for NPMCN examiners

    LSTM, Wellbeing Foundation Africa begin second batch of training for NPMCN examiners

    The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) in partnership with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has commenced the second batch of the Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training for the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) faculty examiners.

    This training program, which first took place in May, aims to support the NPMCN faculty examiners in training residents in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), ensuring quality assurance, and evaluating programs.

    The training, held at the project’s Centre of Excellence in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), began on Monday, June 3, with 24 participants, 8 facilitators, 3 LSTM team members, and 2 team members from WBFA.

    The session was inaugurated with opening remarks from Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, who encouraged participants to engage actively, assuring them of an enriching training experience. 

    Read Also: LSTM partners Wellbeing Foundation Africa to strengthen doctors’ obstetric training

    Dr. Helen Allott, the course director, facilitated introductions and established ground rules for the training before delving into the course curriculum.

    Launched in February 2024, the project aims to enhance maternal and child healthcare outcomes across Nigeria, aligning with LSTM’s and WBFA’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and supporting sustainable development goals. 

    This effort underscores the partnering organizations’ response to Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. 

    According to WHO estimates, Nigeria has the second-highest estimated maternal death rate globally and one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in Africa, with a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of over 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 33 per 1,000 live births in 2019.

    By advancing the AOSS Competency-Based Curriculum for Resident Doctors in OBGYN at NPMCN, the partners aim to ensure high-quality care for mothers and newborns. 

    The course covers advanced techniques and best practices for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, directly contributing to improved healthcare delivery.

    This project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (@THETlinks) for the benefit of the UK and partner country health sectors.