Midwives, crucial healthcare providers who help mothers deliver healthy babies, now have a new tool to build their skills and knowledge.   On July 22, USAID launched an e-learning module for midwives on active management of the third stage of labor.  Future e-learning programs in counseling skills and immediate newborn care are currently under development.  These modules, along with 51 computers provided by USAID, will be used to support midwifery training programs in the provinces of Khost, Bamyan, Badakhshan, Paktya, Jawzjan, Takhar, Kabul, Hirat, and Ghor.  In addition, the module will be available to other midwifery education programs throughout the country.

The event was opened by Minister of Public Health Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie, who stressed the importance of e-learning as a way for midwifery students to supplement their learning and thanked USAID for its support.  After the Minister’s speech, USAID Representative Sara Smith stated, “We hope that this new learning technology will pave the way for even further improvement in the health status of women, children, and families of Afghanistan. The U.S. government supports your heroic work to improve health care for Afghanistan’s citizens. We hope to see results for years to come, in the form of growing children, healthy mothers, and intact families.”