The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), in partnership with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), has brought its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce to Kano with the commencement of a three-day Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training.

The programme which began on November 18, 2024, at the Provost Complex, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, is training 31 residents from institutions affiliated with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

As a key part of the Global Health Workforce Programme, the training is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care.

The programme supports Health Partnerships between UK and African institutions, aiming to develop a more resilient health workforce across Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Bidirectional learning is at the heart of the Health Partnership model, said Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director, LSTM, adding “This approach not only transfers knowledge and skills but also fosters collaboration between institutions to create sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.”

The AOSS training equips resident doctors with critical, hands-on obstetric and surgical skills necessary to manage life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

The effort is crucial as it aims to reduce Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which remain a significant public health challenge.

Miss. Jennifer Eziuloh, Advocacy and Communications Manager at WBFA, emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating, “This training highlights our shared commitment to empowering healthcare professionals with the tools they need to save lives. It is through partnerships like this that we can make meaningful efforts in achieving equitable and quality healthcare for all.”

The partnership between LSTM and WBFA demonstrates a shared dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s health systems by addressing workforce gaps and fostering practical, impactful learning opportunities. With a focus on long-term capacity building, the Global Health Workforce Program is geared towards a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.