Infant and neonatal mortality is a globally problematic issue, but in rural Africa the percentage is much higher. Alternative practices offer an even higher mortality rate. The clinical team at Kaserem Christian Medical Clinic are trusted by their community as a safe place to give birth. Last year we equipped them with training aids, resource materials and hands-on training. Now they have improved resuscitative devices and an oxygen concentrator present.
Our vision was to provide live-feedback training to other clinics in the region. Led by Kiti and our development team on the ground, several clinics and the district hospital sent providers of all types to our very first remote training session.
Dr. Ellen Diego, MD is a faculty member at the University of Minnesota Department of Neonatology and a global expert on neonatal care in low-resource setting, In fact she just got back from Ethiopia. Without hesitating she agreed to put on a training session. As a subject matter expert she is qualified to provide instructor training. Fourteen Ugandan clinicians were certified to instruct the validated and life-saving Helping Babies Breathe campaign, produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Our IT man on the ground, the brilliant Marx came from Kampala and set up a brilliant camera system so that Dr. Ellen could see the students and the hands-on portion of the training. Meals and transportation were provided. Overall, the feedback has been phenomenal. Not only will these bright clinicians have new skills and ideas, but they will be able to lead training for their colleagues at their respective facilities.
Dr. Ellen told me a few days later how amazing her experience was with the students present. I have promised to keep her updated. She is looking forward to repeating the experience next year.
Leaving the lasting imprint of knowledge will have ripples of positive change for years to come. The most amazing part about this success is that it was led by our Ugandan team on the ground. Together we are putting together future events like this featuring subject-matter-experts sharing their time and passion through high-yield experiences.