Namibia Introduces New Training to Prevent Maternal Deaths from Excessive Bleeding After Childbirth
Namibia has stepped up efforts to prevent avoidable maternal deaths linked to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) through a national training programme aimed at equipping healthcare workers with faster and more effective emergency response skills.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Hambelela Suzan Ndjaleka, officially opened the National Training of Trainers programme, which focuses on expanding the E-MOTIVE approach for the management of postpartum haemorrhage.
The three-day training, running from 7 to 9 September, brings together healthcare workers and trainers from across the country. The programme focuses on early recognition of excessive blood loss and rapid intervention using the WHO-recommended E-MOTIVE care bundle.
PPH remains a major concern in Namibia’s efforts to reduce maternal deaths. Recent reporting indicates that obstetric haemorrhage accounts for about 16% of maternal deaths, while Namibia’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 139 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.
The E-MOTIVE approach combines early detection with immediate treatment, including uterotonic medicines, tranexamic acid (TXA), intravenous fluids and timely escalation of care where necessary.
The Ministry says the trainers will take the skills gained during the programme back to districts, clinics and maternity wards across the country, with the broader objective of ensuring that health workers can respond to PPH without delay.
The training is supported by UNFPA and other development and technical partners, including the European Union.
The Ministry’s ultimate goal is to eliminate preventable maternal deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhage in Namibia.
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