ESSENTIAL NEWBORN CARE WORKSHOP SUCCESSFUL IN TULAGI

Twenty-five health workers of Central Islands Province have successfully completed a week long training on Essential Newborn Care and promotion of breastfeeding at Tulagi, Central Islands Province.

A statement from the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says the training jointly co-hosted with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services was intended to raise the capacity of health workers in the province to care for newborns and children.

The statement adds attendees include health supervisors, provincial programme coordinators and clinic nurses.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Maternal Newborn Care Specialist, Shakila Naidu reiterates the training is important for the country because while child mortality in most countries have decreased in past decades, both neo-natal and maternal mortality have largely remained the same, especially among developing countries including Solomon Islands.

Mrs Naidu adds, the training has assisted health workers improve access to antenatal care during pregnancy, improve management of normal delivery by skilled attendants, access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

It has also given them the expertise needed in postnatal care for both mothers and newborns and strengthen linkages between the community and health facilities around Central Islands Province.