The Somali Midwives Association (SOMA) recently held a training session in Mogadishu to support and improve maternal and infant health. This training, attended by fifty community health workers (CHWs), aimed to equip them with essential knowledge on safe practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. By empowering CHWs with critical health information, SOMA strives to reach more mothers and ensure safe, informed care across Somali communities.
Understanding the Role of Community Health Workers in Maternal Health
In Somalia, community health workers are vital in bringing healthcare information directly to families. Often, they are the first to guide mothers on safe practices and when to seek professional care. For many, access to health facilities is limited, making CHWs a crucial link to essential healthcare information. With training from SOMA, CHWs can provide vital guidance to mothers and newborns, helping families make safer choices.
Key Topics Covered in the Training
SOMA’s training session covered a range of essential topics designed to improve the health and safety of mothers and their newborns:
- Antenatal Care (ANC): CHWs were trained on the importance of regular check-ups during pregnancy. They learned how to educate mothers on seeking antenatal services for vaccinations, nutrition support, and routine monitoring. This knowledge helps CHWs guide mothers to services that ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Safe Childbirth Practices: Ensuring a safe delivery is essential for both mother and baby. The training provided CHWs with insights on what mothers need to prepare for childbirth, including how to recognize labor warning signs and when to advise mothers to go to a healthcare facility. With this knowledge, CHWs can encourage safer deliveries within their communities.
- Postpartum and Newborn Care: The postpartum period can be challenging, and health risks may arise for both mother and newborn. The training covered essential care practices for mothers after birth, emphasizing the importance of follow-up visits and breastfeeding. CHWs also learned how to spot health issues that may require medical attention, supporting families in the weeks after delivery.
- Family Planning Education: Family planning is essential for reproductive health and safety. CHWs received training on various family planning options and how to guide mothers in making safe choices for spacing pregnancies. This education helps mothers make informed decisions that support their health and the health of future pregnancies.
The Impact of Training on Somali Communities
The benefits of this training go far beyond the fifty CHWs who participated. Each CHW plays a crucial role in educating families within their communities. With their new knowledge, these CHWs can reach dozens of families, encouraging practices that lead to healthier pregnancies and safer childbirths.
In communities where healthcare services are limited, CHWs are often a lifeline for families. They can now help mothers recognize complications during pregnancy and postpartum, provide guidance on newborn care, and advise on the importance of visiting health facilities at critical moments. By improving CHWs’ knowledge, SOMA is building a network of informed health advocates, directly benefiting Somali families.
A Healthier Future for Mothers and Babies in Somalia
SOMA’s training initiative is a powerful step toward a healthier future for mothers and infants across Somalia. By investing in CHW education, SOMA aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and foster safer, more informed communities. This commitment to maternal and infant health is part of a larger effort to create a healthier, safer environment for Somali families.
As SOMA continues to expand these training programs, the organization envisions a network of skilled, compassionate CHWs throughout Somalia, dedicated to supporting mothers and babies. Through this initiative, SOMA is creating a foundation for healthier communities and a brighter future for all Somali families.
