JOOUST Hosts EmONC Training to Enhance Maternal and Newborn Health Outcomes

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), in partnership with Erasmushogeschool Brussel (Belgium) and with support from VLIRUOS International Training Programme (VLIR-ITP) successfully hosted a specialised Targeted Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) training program aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Kisumu, Siaya, and Kakamega Counties.

The training was conducted in two cohorts at the JOOUST Main Campus, Bondo. The first cohort, targeted Master Trainers, while the second cohort, focused on Training of Trainers (ToTs) to scale up knowledge and skills across the region.

The workshop was officially inaugurated by Professor Elijah Ateka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic, Student Affairs and Research, who emphasised JOOUST’s commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges and promoting maternal and child health.

The ten-day training brought together participants from a diverse range of institutions including Egerton University, Maseno University, Uzima University, Kenya Medical Training College – Bondo, and several county hospitals. The program featured a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on simulation exercises, with a focus on:

·     Use of maternal and newborn manikins for clinical education and skills development;

·     Simulation-based training scenarios covering conditions such as preeclampsia, newborn resuscitation, and postpartum haemorrhage; and,

·   Scenario development exercises to enhance critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and respectful maternity care practices

By equipping Master Trainers and Trainers of Trainers with advanced knowledge and practical competencies, the EmONC training program aims to build sustainable capacity within local health systems and contribute meaningfully to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality in the targeted counties.

JOOUST remains dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance health education, service delivery, and research for community transformation.