Maternal mortality remains a major challenge in resource-limited communities. In Africa, 531 (iAHO, 2023) women die for every 100,000 live births. In Nigeria, the maternal mortality rate is even higher at 1,047 per 100,000 births (WHO, 2022). Over 60% of these deaths are preventable, caused by complications like excessive bleeding (Obstetric Hemorrhage) and hypertensive disorders such as Eclampsia and Preeclampsia.
One key barrier to addressing these issues is the shortage of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) and gaps in health worker knowledge. In 2021, only 50.7% of deliveries in Nigeria were attended by SBAs—well below Nigeria’s 2030 target of 57%.
As part of efforts to build health worker capacity, the Smiles for Mothers (SfM) program implemented two training approaches —
classroom-based and in-facility—to strengthen the capacity of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) in providing EmONC services. These trainings were conducted in Lagos, Kano, and Niger states.
- The classroom training focused on theoretical knowledge, using lectures, demonstrations, and simulations.
- The in-facility training provided hands-on experience in real-life scenarios, allowing immediate application of EmONC techniques.
After training 911 health workers across the three states, there was a 162% increase in knowledge gained for in-facility training and 70% with in-class training. SCIDaR also found that the in-facility model was more effective, enabling quicker application of new skills, minimizing service disruption, and reducing training costs by 54.6%. This adaptable model allows multiple sessions to be conducted simultaneously within healthcare facilities, making it ideal for resource-limited regions.
At the International Confederation of Midwives conference in Kigali, SCIDaR’s Project Director, Chukwunonso Nwaokorie, shared the positive results of the SfM program with maternal health stakeholders. SCIDaR now advocates for the broader adoption of this cost-effective training model to reduce maternal mortality across Africa. We invite healthcare professionals, donors, and policymakers to collaborate with us in scaling this impactful approach to save mothers’ lives.
