Midwives and nurses in Tanzania enhance skills through eLearning

Leah Douglas Matiani is working and studying at Ndanda Hospital in Tanzania. She has been enrolled in the eLearning programme, which is funded by GlaxoSmithKline and implemented by Amref Institute of Capacity Development and Amref Health Africa in Tanzania. “I am happy with the programme since I can both work and study. Initially, it was difficult to go for further studies as I was not able to get permission from my employer. The number of nurses in my work station was not enough to allow anyone to go for full time face-to-face studies,” explains Leah.

Growing in Confidence

Leah is also happy she can do a lot of practical work, which is different from the conventional study where students spend more time in class. “I see myself growing, I am more knowledgeable about criteria and procedures of performing vacuum delivery and I am also confident that I can successfully perform the procedure,” she notes.

Leah can also successfully diagnose and manage abnormal pregnancies and emergencies. “One day there was a woman who was in labor with fist pregnancy (prime gravid) with all signs of safe delivery. In such situation, the patient is supposed to deliver in half an hour, but she stayed in labor ward for more than one hour. I remember upon examination I could see the baby’s head and the outlet was ok but the woman was not able to push. Due to this situation there was a danger of losing the baby due to prolonged labour. I decided to use the vacuum method, which I had learned through the eLearning programme, to help that mother deliver her baby safely,” narrates Leah. Leah is proud that she can now manage a ward, and has broadened her knowledge in computer applications. “My plan is to continue with further studies up to degree level,” she concludes.