Learning Objective #1: Discuss the benefits of teaching newborn resuscitation to midwives and traditional birth attendants in third world countries

Learning Objective #2: Evaluate how programs designed in other countries need to be modified for use in third world countries

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Three million infants under the age of twelve months die each year from preventable causes. The global health community has identified a list of simple interventions that when used impact the mortality outcomes for many infants in the world. One of these interventions is the effective respiratory management of infants immediately following birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) to educate doctors and nurses about effective newborn resuscitation.

During 2003-2004 the author went to Ghana and taught 96 midwives the first four lessons of the AAP Newborn Resuscitation Program. A pre-test, post-test design was used to evaluate knowledge gained. The majority of the midwives were able to successfully pass the written examination and complete the skills demonstration portion of the program. Several focus groups were held at the conclusion of the program to explore the benfits of the program and to identify areas that needed changing to address cultural differences. Analysis of the comments were conducted and themes were identified. The themes were as follows: 1. Need for simpler language 2. More pictures would help those who have difficulty reading 3. Resources to take home and use again 4. need for a support system in hospitals and maternity homes to encourage midwives 5. sustainability of the program.