Abstract

Welcome to the Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal life-saving skills course

Despite some improvements in recent years, global maternal mortality and morbidity remains too high. In 2017, global estimates of maternal death annually stood at 295,000 (WHO 2019), with a global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 211 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Twenty countries had an MMR of greater than 500/100,000 live births. Of these, all but Afghanistan are located in sub-saharan Africa. Three countries had an MMR greater than1000, South Sudan, Chad and Sierra Leone. For each woman who died, there were many more who suffered serious morbidity. There are many reasons for this loss of life. For example, the Kenyan Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death 2017 revealed that in 9 out of 10 reported cases of maternal death, women received substandard care and commented that, had the care been different, the deaths could have been averted. In a significant proportion of these deaths, inadequate clinical skills were cited as reasons for substandard care.

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3 global maternal mortality ratio of less than 70 maternal deaths per 100, 000 live births, we have to scale up evidence-based interventions that improve access to and utilization of quality maternal health services. Competent skilled health personnel who can provide Emergency Obstetric Care and Newborn Care working within enabling environments are required.

It is therefore of great importance that all skilled health personnel receive adequate training in the early detection and management of obstetric emergencies.

This short course aims to provide basic training in obstetric emergency and newborn care skills, applying a structured approach to the management of all obstetric and newborn emergencies. This manual is not intended as a comprehensive textbook, but rather may be used as a “quick look book” to remind you of the skills taught on this course.
This manual can be used on our in person or blended learning training course.

We appreciate all authors of previous editions and all those who contributed to the development of this third edition.

Charles Ameh March 2021