Graduate Midwifery Education in Uganda Aiming to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health Outcomes

Abstract

Background Maternal and Neonatal MortalityGlobal maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has remained unacceptably high at 216 per 100,000 live births. It is estimated that 830 women die from pregnancy-related complications around the world every day [1]. In low-income countries, one in 16 women dies of complications from pregnancy. In developed countries, the ratio is markedly lower, at one in 2,800 [2].Uganda, situated in East Africa, shoulders a high MMR of 336 per 100,000 live births, largely attributable to hemorrhage (34%), hypertension (19%), abortions (9%), sepsis (8%), and indirect causes such as malaria, HIV, and other infections (18%) [3]. Uganda also has a high neonatal mortality rate (27 per 1,000 live births), mostly caused by birth asphyxia and trauma (28.6%), prematurity (27.9%), and sepsis (18.2%) [4].Proven lifesaving interventions to prevent or treat the causes of maternal and newborn deaths are well known. They include neonatal resuscitation [5], kangaroo mother/father care [6], cord care with chlorhexidine 7.1% [7], antibiotic therapy, helping mother survive bleeding after birth, helping mother survive preeclampsia and eclampsia, and low-dose, high-frequency training in basic

How to implement masters’ level of health care providers‘ education in internships – exploring the views of students, clinicians and educators in midwifery and public health nursing

“…Firstly, we have to have in mind, that with regard to any potential selection bias and also the limited variation of contexts it seems likely that there are other models existing. As an example, we found a study characterizing the plan of a postgraduate midwifery program at Lira University, Uganda, which is not resembling any of our ve models [22]. The Uganda model is operationalizing critical clinical competences held by masters of midwifery compared to bachelor, improving the likelihood of better clinical outcomes for mother and child.…”

Factors Influencing Attitude and Adherence toward Principles of Medical Ethics among Midwives and Midwifery Students in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

“…The extent to which midwives at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital adhere to ethical standards in their practice is an important and under-explored area of research. The professionalism of midwifery in different countries, such as Belgium, Uganda, and Pakistan, has been studied to understand the state of the profession and identify areas for improvement (Vermeulen et al, 2021;Kumakech et al, 2020;Salman & Al-Fayyadh, 2022). These studies have highlighted the need for unified education programs, recognition of midwives' roles and competencies, and the development of advanced roles in maternity care practice.…”

“…For example, Vermeulen et al (2021) found that the achievement of patient-centred care is positively correlated with the extent of adherence to medical ethics among midwives and nurses. Also, Kumakech et al (2020) study which focused on the evaluation of midwifery programs in Uganda showed positive outcomes, with graduates reporting the ability to practice advanced obstetrics and newborn care skills. The development of higher education programs, such as bachelor's and master's degrees in midwifery, has been implemented in different regions to equip midwives with the necessary skills and knowledge for full-scope practice and leadership roles.…”

Midwifery Qualification in Selected Countries: A Rapid Review

“…One of the established strategies is to improve access to skilled midwifery practitioners and provide adequate health facilities, especially as it could significantly reduce maternal mortality and morbidity [ 9 ]. For example, Uganda has recently upgraded its midwifery education to a Bachelor’s degree, and enabled midwives to employ higher-level skills compared to their certificate-trained counterparts [ 10 ]. To strengthen health systems’ responses to maternal and child health, WHO recommends workforce management with regulated care providers as well as education and core competencies that meet global standards [ 11 ].…”