Adamawa launches 5-Day capacity building workshop for health workers

By Yagana Ali, Yola 

The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has commenced a five-day capacity building workshop for frontline healthcare workers on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) under the strengthening Access to Reproductive Health (SARAH) Project.

The opening ceremony, brought together key health sector stakeholders and development partners committed to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Suleiman Saidu Bashir, emphasized the critical role of BEmONC in equipping healthcare workers with lifesaving skills to manage complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. 

He noted that the training aligns with the state government’s vision to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates through improved quality of care at the primary healthcare level.

Declaring the workshop open the Commissioner for Health, Chief Felix B. Tangwami, Garkuwan Mbula, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Zirra Mathias Bubanani commended UNFPA’s continued support to the state and urged participants to maximize the training to enhance their capacity in managing obstetric emergencies.

In a remark, the Chairperson of the State Planning Commission, who reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3  ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages with a focus on reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

In a separate interview, the program manager EU-SARAH project Mal Ahmed Yero said the objectives of the workshop include: Strengthening the capacity of frontline healthcare workers to provide timely and effective emergency obstetric and newborn care.

Enhancing early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. Reducing delays in accessing skilled care during emergencies.

Danladi Idirisa UNFPA State coordinator said BEmONC training is widely recognized as a key intervention in addressing the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality, such as postpartum hemorrhage, prolonged labour, eclampsia, and newborn asphyxia. 

By improving the skills of healthcare providers, the state aims to ensure more women and newborns survive childbirth-related complications, particularly in rural and underserved communities 

The lead consultant facilitator Habiba Bakari of Modibbo Adama university Teaching Hospital said the workshop will feature practical demonstrations, case studies, and simulations, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience in managing emergencies and saving lives.