On June 3rd, 2024, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) launched the second phase of the Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training for faculty examiners from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN). This training, which initially began in May, is designed to enhance the skills of NPMCN examiners responsible for training residents in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), ensuring high standards in both quality assurance and program evaluation.
The training took place at the Centre of Excellence, located at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), with 24 participants supported by 8 expert facilitators, 3 LSTM team members, and 2 from WBFA. The event began with opening remarks from Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, who encouraged participants to engage fully in the program for a rewarding experience. Dr. Helen Allott, the course director, followed with introductions and guidelines for the training, paving the way for a deep dive into the course curriculum.
Originally launched in February 2024, this training program is crucial to improving maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria, in line with LSTM’s and WBFA’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and supporting sustainable development goals. The importance of such programs is evident in Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria ranks second in global maternal deaths, with a maternal mortality ratio of over 800 per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 33 per 1,000 live births as of 2019.
The AOSS Competency-Based Curriculum for OBGYN Resident Doctors at NPMCN equips examiners with the latest skills and knowledge to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies, which is essential for improving healthcare outcomes.
This project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), with support from the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET). It represents a collaborative effort to address healthcare challenges in Nigeria and other partner countries.