Rotary Trains Over 650 Health Workers in Sierra Leone to Save Newborn Lives

September 26, 2024

In an important initiative to reduce newborn mortality, Rotary International has trained more than 650 health workers in Sierra Leone in essential newborn resuscitation techniques.

This training is part of the "Helping Babies Breathe" program, which aims to equip healthcare workers with the skills to respond to perinatal asphyxia, a major cause of infant deaths. Health workers, including nurses and midwives, received hands-on training to act swiftly when newborns struggle to breathe during birth, significantly improving their chances of survival.

Perinatal asphyxia, which occurs when a baby lacks sufficient oxygen during delivery, remains a key contributor to neonatal deaths. The program addresses this issue, empowering healthcare workers to make a lasting difference.

By equipping health professionals with practical knowledge, the program is expected to help reduce Sierra Leone's infant mortality rates, offering hope for better healthcare outcomes for newborns across the country.