A series of simulation trainings by Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) using mannequins has started to help midwives in private hospitals in the FCT better care for newborns.
NMA president Dr Kayode Obembe, speaking at the start of the helping-babies-breathe training, part of the association’s weeklong Physicians Week, said NMA was gravely concerned about deaths of children at birth from preventable or treatable causes.
It comes amidst concern over a high rate of birth asphyxiation–inability of babies to initiate breathing at birth.
Asphyxiation is among leading causes of death in newborns and comes under focus of the National Newborn Conference this week.
“A lot of nurses have the skill but they don’t know what’s the current teaching as regards caring for newborns,” said neonatologist, Dr Masa Mairami, paediatrician at National Hospital, Abuja.
”There are a lot of harmful practices taking place, especially in private hospitals.”
The mannequins, known as Neonatalie, simulate newborn babies at birth, from their respiration to beating hearts.
Midwives using them will work in conditions close to real life to learn how to keep babies dry and warm, check respiration, cut and treat umbilical cords to ensure newborns live.
