Training Midwives in Afghanistan

Dear Supporter,

During this difficult time, we hope you are safe and healthy, as well as your family and your loves ones.

For the year 2019, the Midwifery Training Program was implemented in the Province of Kapisa, during the month of December. Kapisa was selected for the initial training of midwives due to its acceptable level of security and infrastructures (training center, hospitals for practice, accommodation, etc.), as well as its adequate transport network which is essential for the training. For the development of the training modules we have partnered with the Haute Ecole de Santé de Genève; the midwifery department has kindly shared its pedagogical skills and clinical expertise.

The training was carried out in two phases: during the first phase, 21 graduate midwives have received the training, after being selected according to pre-established criteria. During the second phase, they themselves have had the opportunity to train other midwives, nurses and medical staff members.

AfD has adopted a “cascade-model” approach as the best strategy to provide training aimed at improving and developing midwifery knowledge; through this approach, a total of 119 midwives received quality training during the reporting period.

AfD’s local office in Kabul has collaborated with community leaders, whose constant support for this program is essential due to the significant influence they exert on their communities. The Ministry of Public Health, as well as local and international NGOs in charge of health facilities, had the responsibility of selecting midwives, through an interview and a theoretical examination. The tests have been designed by AfD’s master trainer recruited for the program.

Phase I of the training was conducted over 10 days at a training center, one week consisting of theoretical classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An examination was carried out beforehand to test the skills of the participants. Phase II of the training took place over two days, at the Kapisa Provincial Hospital, where midwives were trained on practical skills. 

Following the training, the midwives returned to their locations in order for them to train up to 8 colleagues each. The midwife in charge of the training has divided the lessons into 5 sessions over a period of one month. AfD’s master trainer has attended some of the lessons given in various health centers across the province in order to assist the midwives, both teachers and students.

The 21 midwives who benefited from the initial training have all been provided full accommodation at a common facility in Kapisa during the training period, in addition to covering transport costs throughout the duration of the program. The total 119 midwives (from phases I and II), also continued receiving their salary during the duration of the program. An agreement had been previously reached with their employer, namely the NGO responsible for managing the health facilities where the midwives were employed.

Action for Development would like to thank our donor community, whose kind donations have allowed us to successfully implement the Midwifery Training Program in Afghanistan throughout these years. We look forward towards implementing the project in 2020 and continuing to support the people of Afghanistan!

Sincerely,

The Team at AfD

Links:

• http://www.actfordev.org/midwifery-training/