Bani, DR Infante Sano held a two-day AIEPI Neonatal training focusing on the care of the newborn in the hospital Nuestra Senora de Regla in Bani May 18th and 19th. In attendance were 23 representatives from all of the local hospitals in the province of Peravia, including pediatricians, key nurses, and general doctors. The training was sponsored and coordinated by Infante Sano in collaboration with the ministry of health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The goal of the training was to build upon medical knowledge and skills while strengthening the referral communication system within and between hospitals. The participants were positive and excited about the training. One local Bani doctor noted, "as a pediatrician I often feel that I know most of the basic care of the infant, but I was astounded by how much I learned in this two-day course." The course was divided into lecture, practice, and case study sessions to apply the newly acquired skills. At the end of the two-day training all the participants signed an agreement to return to their respective health institutions and implement their new skills.

In addition to the training, Infante Sano surveyed equipment needs in all the hospitals to determine what equipment would be necessary to acquire in order for the staff to implement the skills that were taught. These hospitals will be outfitted with the necessary equipment. Follow up measures will take place by the Quality Improvement Committee, which was formed in the Nuestra Senora de Regla hospital and consists of the head of the hospital, other department heads, and Infante Sano staff. As a group they ensure proper implementation of equipment, ultimately leading to improved quality of care.

The AIEPI training was the fourth carried out thus far by Infante Sano in the Dominican Republic. The other three included Neonatal Resuscitation, care of the Low Birth Weight baby, and Community Health Worker training. To date, Infante Sano has trained over 100 medical staff and trainers on these medical topics. In addition, over 40% of the Nuestra Senora de Regla hospital’s nursing staff has been trained in neonatal resuscitation. Infante Sano also provided the necessary equipment so they are now effectively implementing the skills.

Infante Sano is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Children’s Hospital in Boston. Its goals are to improve infant and maternal health throughout Latin America. Infante Sano partners with existing hospitals and community health clinics and assists them in implementing effective health care guidelines. By training and providing medical supplies and equipment, Infante Sano enables local health care providers to improve quality health care services for mothers and newborns. For more information visit www.infantesano.org

Press Contact: Christa Thoeresz 617.515.0335 christa@infantesano.org