Midwife College Training
We’re very proud that a new training scheme has empowered 10 local students at International University in Kampong Chhnang to qualify as emergency midwives. Selected from local villages, the midwife life-saving skills will help boost the medical support services in farming and fishing communities.
While Cambodia has made considerable progress in lowering pregnancy-related deaths over the last 10 years, the maternal death rate remains higher than the regional average with the rate of 160+ women dying per 100,000 live births.
The complications midwives most commonly report are obstetrical bleeding and eclampsia. The Midwife course is tailored to the most common emergency scenarios that midwives face in rural clinics, where there are generally no doctors on-site to help.
“Without proper skills, dealing with women’s labour complications can be very nerve racking. Its like having two lives in your hands“ said Dr. Rany Poun WAH Exec Director
During the training, the students practice skills in real world conditions, under close senior supervision, allowing up-to-date practice sharing.
“Women can be very nervous about giving birth. Students need to learn to be supportive for the women in labour and to patiently explain to them about their situation and what they should do in different emergencies ,” said Dr Prak Vonn, Provincial Health (PHD) Director.
Since 2013, WAH has provided training in emergency obstetric and newborn care to midwives across Kampong Chhnang in partnership with Dr Prak Vonn’s PHD team.
These programs make a life-changing difference.
“I am more confident now in my skills after the special training. I hope to see more happy smiles from women and their newborn babies when I help them deliver safely.” WAH midwife student
It costs SGD 80 per month (or $960 per year) to send a nurse/midwife to the university - the target is to continue sponsoring more young women. Donors receive an official receipt from the Foundation. ($10, $20 or $50 -any amount will be greatly appreciated)