EthioCanada 2017 Senior Midwife Tutor Training Program St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa February 13 to May 26, 2017
Greetings Philip Baker Canada’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia I congratulate the University of Alberta and Mount Royal University for taking initiative in enhancing the capacity, teaching and clinical skills of midwives, who are essential to an effective health system. And I congratulate this year’s SMTTP graduates; your work has a direct impact on the lives of mothers and babies by ensuring safe deliveries for mothers and a healthy start to life for infants. Your commitment and dedication inspires us all. Canada is very proud of you! May this be the beginning of a successful and fulfilling personal and professional journey.
Dr. Roger Turnell Ethio-Canada MNCH project director and Emeritus Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada With the graduation of this class of Senior Midwife Tutor participants, you have achieved an historic landmark. There are now SMTTP graduates in 49 of the 52 FDRE state-sponsored colleges of midwifery. This means that the skills that you have honed can be shared with students from all over the country and disseminated to those in clinical practice in the far corners of Ethiopia. You should all be very proud of your achievements. Your training will be very beneficial in reducing the high rates of perinatal and maternal mortality that are currently present in Ethiopia. We have also hopefully instilled a sense of inquiry. No practice, region or nation moves forward unless what are seen as local and regional problems are investigated and solved. You have been given the skills to achieve these lofty goals. To quote Albert Einstein: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” God speed. I am certain that our paths will cross again in the future.
Dr. Pam Nordstrom Dean (interim), Faculty of Health, Community & Education Mount Royal University Calgary, Alberta, Canada Congratulations to this year's graduates of the Senior Midwife Tutor Training Program. You have demonstrated commitment to the care of babies and mothers through your diligent participation in the program. The time and effort you have invested to increase your knowledge and skills will be demonstrated over the next months and years as you make a difference to the outcomes of perinatal health care in Ethiopia. We know you will inspire others to join you in making a difference in your communities. We are grateful to you for sharing with us your knowledge and supporting our learning as well. On behalf of the Faculty at Mount Royal University, I wish you well and celebrate your accomplishments.
Dr. Zerihun Abebe Provost, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia "Young intern! This is how you apply an outlet forceps,� said Sr. Hareg, taking my gloved hands by the side of the forceps as she guided the long, flat and locking stainless steel on either side of the head of the crowning baby. In those days, it was skilled, duty bound and passionate midwives that trained interns and residents on the basic skills of attending deliveries including instrumental ones. - Memoirs of my internship times at Ghandi Hospital, an unpublished synopsis by Zerihun Abebe, July 2003. Greetings midwifery Instructors! Saving the lives of mothers and newborns who would otherwise be highly likely to die in childbirth in Ethiopia (and across sub-Saharan Africa) is probably one of the most sacred activities one can be involved with under the sun. It has been our pleasure at St. Paul's to contribute to this national agenda by collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Canadian colleagues to offer the Senior Midwife Tutor Training Program, and by hosting this round's midwifery instructors. During the course of your training at our centre, I am hoping that you have witnessed that St. Paul's is currently engaged in making a great effort to improve the much-sought-after MNCH service it offers to its clients and to earn its name as a future national centre of excellence in Maternal and Newborn Care. I congratulate you on your hard work and your success over the past four months. I am confident you will quickly have a great impact by passing your new knowledge on to colleagues around the country. You have my best wishes for a successful career saving lives of mothers and innocent babies in the years to come.
Abrham Getachew Ethiopia Project Manager Ethio-Canada MNCH Project Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Dear SMTTP graduates, we are hopeful that our SMTTP training has provided you knowledge and skills to be successful in life by understanding the possibilities that you yourself can create. By now, you should be ready to go out to your institutions and to the community. Make an effort to raise maternal and child health services to a higher level! Congratulations once again!
School of Nursing, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Nigat W/Hawariat Director First of all I would like to say congratulations to the Senior Midwife Tutor Training Program’s 2017 students after completing their four months’ intensive training. Having said this, as we all know, the St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Nursing School is a partner with the Ethio-Canada MNCH project in the SMTTP’s teaching and learning process. The SPHMMC nursing school staff took part in the 2017 program given in collaboration with University of Alberta and Mount Royal University of Alberta, Canada. The training is very important in further increasing the capacity of fresh midwifery graduates to handle skills demonstrations and to conduct hands-on practice in basic midwifery skills and procedures. It is a privilege to collaborate with our Canadian partners at University of Alberta and Mount Royal University as we already planned to start our midwifery school soon.
Teaching faculty for the SMTTP’s February-March segment included, from left in the back row, Eriste Nigussie, Nigat Hawariat and Teshone Gishu from SPHMMC, Yodit Meseret from EthioCanada staff, and Michael Tamere from SPHMMC. From left in the front row are Asegedech Befikadu (Ethio-Canada), Margot Underwood (Mount Royal University), Tangut Demas (SPHMMC) and Wendy Wood (Mount Royal University.) Missing: Meaza Getahun (SPHMMC).
Our project The government of Ethiopia has made improving health services, and extending them out into all corners of the country, two of its most pressing priorities. To that end, midwives are being trained at an unprecedented rate, so quickly in fact that many must teach with too little experience of their own. The expansion of service has also strained the health system’s ability to manage childbirth cases when a complication for mother or child makes it necessary to refer the patients to facilities capable of delivering more specialized care. Both of these side-effects of urgent action put strain on the government’s efforts to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce high rates of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. The Ethiopia-Canada MNCH project, a collaboration of the two national governments and postsecondary institutions in Ethiopia and Canada, targets both the referral and midwife-training agendas. The SMTTP addresses the gap between academic training and hands-on experience for new midwifery graduates, and efforts to support ongoing improvements in service and capacity at St. Paul’s and one catchment area outside Addis Ababa as they tackle the referral challenges of a rapidly growing health system. Our program also includes regular courses in Helping Babies Breathe, efforts to support Quality Improvement processes, and support for communications and research at the Ethiopian Midwives Association. In all this work, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the leaders and faculty at St. Paul’s are core, essential partners.
Our course The Senior Midwife Tutor Training Program is a four-month course originally developed by a team of health professionals and educators at Mount Royal University in Calgary, home of Alberta’s only degree program in midwifery. Now completing its fourth year of operation at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), it has grown to include a clinical refresher for our student midwives and a component led by University of Alberta professors that teaches skills for conducting micro-research. Mount Royal professors have been at the centre of teaching as well as curriculum development. This year, however, most of the units were taught by Faculty from SPHMMC’s School of Nursing with Canadian instructors providing mentorship. The new Addis-Ababa-based team of experienced midwives and instructors included Yodit Meseret and Asegedech Befikadu from the Ethio–Canada MNCH Project, and Nigat Hawariat, Michael Tamene, Meaza Getahun, Tangut Demas, Eriste Nigussie and Teshome Gishu from SPHMMC’s nursing school. The program has five components: An initial
three-week period of classroom instruction on clinical and teaching skills, including courses
on Helping Babies Breathe and on Helping Mothers Survive—Preeclampsia/Eclampsia. Fifteen days back at home institutions beginning to cascade students‘ new knowledge to colleagues. A four-week clinical refresher, working in three health centres associated with St. Paul’s Hospital in
the Addis area. A return to class for further training by Mount Royal and Ethiopian educators. Quality improvement and abbreviated micro-research courses.
The main objectives of all this training are to enhance the skills of midwife tutors to support the rapid increase in new midwives being trained to help Ethiopia meet UN Sustainable Development Goals of reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Our students Abrham Debebe Wachemo University Since graduating from Addis Ababa University in 2014, Abrham has worked in both clinical and administrative settings in local health centres and Addis Ababa. He currently teaches health science students at Wachemo University in Hosanna; his goal is to help produce successful and competent midwives for his country. Always remember that your present situation is not
Addisu Getnet Hosanna Health Sciences College Addisu’s long-term professional focus is obstetrical sciences, with history serving as his academic hobby. He graduated from Addis Ababa University in 2015, and has since logged three months of clinical work in Gamo Gofa zone of the SNNPR followed by 16 months teaching at Hosanna HSC. It is better to be a lion for a day
Atrsaw Dessie Dessie Health Science College Atrsaw graduated from University of Gondar with a BSc in midwifery. Following an initial period of experience in clinical settings, he has taught at Dessie HSC. His goal is to be a source of excellence in promoting quality midwifery education and empowering midwives. “The midwife considers the miracle of childbirth as normal, and leaves it alone unless there is trouble.”
Bizualem Tadesse Woldia University When she was in Grade 5, Bizualem saw her mother receive inadequate care; since then she has wanted to learn how to do better herself. Bizualem graduated from Addis Ababa University in 2016 and has since worked as a graduate assistant at Woldia’s department of midwifery.
After my mother’s experience, I needed to become a
Bikila Tefera Ambo University Bikila is a recent graduate of Ambo University; he began his career with clinical practice at Chancho hospital. He now teaches those who will further swell the ranks of Ethiopian midwives in coming years. He credits his brother, now an OBGYN resident at Black Lion Hospital, as his inspiration. My motto: ‘I alone know I can do it because I alone know myself.’
Dawit Meles Samara University Dawit is especially interested in teaching and conducting research. When he was first assigned to midwifery at Samara University he was confused about the profession, but “when I got deeper into it I learned its importance; now I am very proud to be a midwife.” All human beings are equal so let’s treat them equally.
Degefa Gomora Madda Walabu University Degefa’s life turned toward midwifery during his early school years when his sister died in labour. The profession was his first choice when he entered Jimma University’s health sciences program; he now wants to tackle a masters degree in clinical practice. My vision is to continue my education and be a strong academician who can conduct lifesaving research.
Diriba Bayisa Wollega University After graduating from Wollega University in 2014, Diriba spent a year in clinical practice before beginning to teach. Knowing that women still die in childbirth from simple and treatable complications, his goal is to help produce competent and qualified students who can prevent these tragedies. No mother should die while giving birth!
Ethiopia Enideg Mizan Aman Health Science College Ethiopia graduated from Gondar University in 2015, and now has a year and a half of teaching experience under her belt. Her long-term goal is to be a gynecologist and care for mothers in rural areas who suffer from cancer—but for now she measures success by becoming a good teacher. Do the right thing in the right time and place.
Gudeta Beriso Wolkite University Gudeta began teaching at Wolkite University after two years of clinical practice at Tulu Bolo Hospital southwest of Addis Ababa. Choosing his profession after learning about the national effort to combat high maternal mortality, he studied midwifery at Dilla University, graduating in 2014.
Maturity is not when we start speaking big things; it is when we start understanding small things.
Habso Kalif Gode Health Science College Habso gained her diploma from Gode HSC in 2015, and is now working toward her first degree at that institution in southeastern Ethiopia. She already has one year of clinical experience and two years of teaching to her credit. My focus is excellence in midwifery education, and the empowerment of midwives.
Hadush Kiros Dr. Tewelde Health Science College A 2014 graduate of Addis Ababa University, Hadush brought two years of clinical experience to his current teaching role at Dr. Tewelde HSC. He says “the most satisfying thing about being a midwife is that you save a double life at a time—so nothing is more pleasurable than caring for our mothers.” My favourite motto is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’
Hamdi Mahamed Jigjiga Health Science College A graduate of Jigjiga University, Hamdi spent a year in clinical practice at a health centre and hospital before beginning to teach at Jigjiga HSC. He is motivated by students who are eager to become competent midwives. He lists reading medical texts, playing pool and walking at night as his hobbies.
The midwife considers the miracle of childbirth as normal, and leaves it alone unless there is trouble.
Hana Lijaemiro Addis Ababa University Hana’s first interest is expanding her skill and knowledge of managing complications during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. In 2015, she graduated from Addis Ababa University where she now teaches. Being qualified as a midwife tutor is a mark of her progress, she says. My life principle is to struggle until I see my dream come true: Keep walking!
Hasen Desie Tseda Health Science College After graduating from Gondar University in 2014, Hassen spent two years in clinical practice before beginning to teach at Tseda HSC. That role was attractive because there are only a limited number of midwives in the country and “I want to solve our community problem by involving different training.� My goal is to become a researcher related to
Kassaw Beyene Arba Minch University Kassaw graduated from Haramaya University in June 2015. He following up with eight months of clinical care in a health centre in central Ethiopia before starting to teach at Arba Minch. When he was in Grade 10, he was inspired by media reports about the importance of midwives. My responsibility and objective is producing competent, committed and humanitarian health professionals.
Lealem Minwuyelet Selale University Lealem has been working as a lecturer at Selale University in Fiche since graduating from Addis Ababa University last year. She says her goal is to provide all citizens with knowledge about healthcare facilities. “I would also put all my efforts into research and development of the present healthcare system.” The instant you set a goal a light goes on in your future. Success is a process but not a destination.
Mahdere Tsegaye Menelik II Health Science College As a sign of her success as a midwife educator, Mahere can point to the many former students she now sees working in different hospitals and health centres. Indeed, two of them assisted at the birth of her own first baby boy. She has taught for eight years since graduating from Addis Ababa University. Words can’t express the feeling of being part of the miracle of nature’s beautiful gift to the world.
Muna H. Ibrahim Jigjiga University Muna graduated from and now teaches at Jigjiga University in the eastern Ethiopian town where she was born. She has been an assistant lecturer since January. Muna admits midwifery was not her first choice when she was a high-school student, but is now really excited to be part of helping new life to enter this world. Never give up! There is always a way to reach your
Nasir Adow Kebri Dehar Health Science College Since graduating from Jigjiga University in 2016, Nasir has taught future midwives at Kebri Dehar HSC. He hopes to further his education in obstetrical sciences, and continue being part of Ethiopia’s drive to provide high-quality health services to delivering mothers. I am proud that I have worked to teach and train midwives in the country where high maternal and neonatal mortality occurs.
Nuria Delil Dilla University Nuria is an assistant lecturer at Dilla University; she graduated from Madda Walabu University in 2015. She wants to make herself an expert in maternal and child care by continuing her education and doing research. I am happy with my profession because I want to help a mom to give another life. A baby is new for our world: this is a great thing in my life.
Rahwa Fikadu Axum University Rahwa graduated from Axum University in 2014. At first, her interest in the health world was more general; she zeroed in on midwifery while at university and now particularly enjoys teaching her OBGYN course. She lists personal interests as “reading medical books, caring for babies and spending time with family at home.”
My objective is to provide quality woman-centred
Seada Sufian Dire Dawa University Before coming to the Senior Midwife Tutor Program, Seada had worked for six years improving childbirth outcomes. She graduated with a BSc in midwifery in 2011. “Success in my profession is delivering babies safely and keeping both mother and child in a good, healthy condition.” No woman should die while giving life to another.
Selamawit Gashaw Arsi University Selamawit’s childhood dream was to become a pharmacist, but she fell in love with midwifery in university and “it has influenced my life positively.” She has been teaching since her graduation from Arsi University in 2016. Selamawi says she has added good skill and knowledge from the SMTTP training. My motto is: ‘God is good all the time.’
Tirualem Yasabe Debre Markos University Tirualem graduated from Debre Markos University in 2016, and had taught there for six months before beginning the SMTTP at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa. My motto as a midwife is ‘Zero Maternal Deaths.’ My goal is to become an excellent promoter of quality midwifery education.
Wubedel Zelalem University of Gondar Wubedel, from Ethiopia’s northwestern Gojjam region, graduated from University of Gondar in 2016 with a BSc in midwifery. She has taught there since then; future academic interests focus on obstetrical sciences. My vision and objective in line with my profession is to produce skilled and competent midwives who are capable of providing high quality maternal and child health services.
Yewlsew Woldyes Hawassa University Yewlsew finished her degree at Hawassa University in 2016; since then she has done six months of clinical work and four of teaching. Her goal is research. She was attracted to midwifery because she saw the shortage in the profession and the tragedy this can cause. When I was a student I saw the problems in the local community; a number of mothers lost their lives in labour and delivery.
Yezbalem Negesse Wollo University A 2016 graduate in clinical midwifery from Gondar University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Yezbalem has begun her career working as a “Graduate Assistant II” at Wollo University. Before beginning the current training in February, she had gained six months’ experience in this position. Now, I have completed the SMTTP prepared by the Ethio-Canada MNCH project.
Zelalem Biruk Assosa University Zelalem has had 30 months’ experience—both clinical and teaching—since graduating from Jimma University in 2014. He wants to be a good instructor who can ensure the next generation of midwives have the knowledge and skills to save mothers and newborns. I was drawn to midwifery by the challenges and stress mothers face during pregnancy, labour and delivery
Zemenay Tiruneh Metu University After graduating in 2016, Zemenay stayed at Metu University, in Oromia region west of Addis Ababa, to gain academic work experience. In the long term, she hopes to focus on obstetrical sciences. Zemenay is eager to help produce skilled, competent midwives who will help improve maternal health in Ethiopia. My vision is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and to fulfil community satisfaction.
Some memories
Our partners
Ethiopian Midwives Association