Global Partnership Program
The programme aims to optimise, build, and strengthen the health workforce in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria while supporting stronger, more resilient health systems for post-pandemic recovery and advancing progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP) is focused on building healthcare capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with current efforts in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Through its Health Partnership Initiative, GHWP strengthens health systems and supports post-pandemic recovery, working toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3. A key partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) is improving obstetric and newborn care in Nigeria. This initiative enhances the capacity of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to deliver the Advanced Surgical Skills Curriculum to obstetrics and gynecology resident doctors. Launched in February 2024, this collaboration aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by addressing gaps in advanced care skills.
The Advanced Obstetrics Surgical Skills Course, a competency-based training curriculum, was developed and integrated into NPMCN’s residency program. The course offers theoretical knowledge and practical skills in key areas like emergency caesarean sections, postpartum hemorrhage management, neonatal resuscitation, and care for preterm infants. The comprehensive training includes a 3-day, 5-module course followed by a 2-day Training of Trainers (ToT) session, ensuring that the knowledge is passed on to future cohorts. This program’s sustainability is supported by simulation-based learning and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), where doctors practice life-saving procedures using state-of-the-art mannequins and training equipment.
To date, over 82 obstetrics and gynecology doctors have completed the training, with many reporting increased confidence in handling obstetric emergencies. One trainee shared, “What we’ve learned here will obviously play a huge role in what we do day-to-day in taking care of our patients and improving the quality of care.”
Global Health Workforce Trainee
The success of this initiative is the result of effective collaboration between GHWP, THET, Ducit Blue, LSTM, NPMCN, WBFA, and other stakeholders. The competency-based curriculum not only addresses current skill gaps but also establishes a framework for continuous professional development in maternal and newborn healthcare. Looking ahead, we plan to expand this training across Nigeria, continuing to train resident doctors within the faculty. With the ongoing support of GHWP and its partners, this initiative will play a critical role in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, creating lasting change in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
