Federal Ministry of Health, Partners Finalize Neonatal Nursing Education Program

The Federal Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Nigeria Society of Neonatal Medicine, recently concluded a pioneering Neonatal Nursing Education Programme.

The landmark initiative was designed at strengthening neonatal healthcare across Nigeria.

Spanning six federal tertiary institutions, including the esteemed University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the program marks a significant step forward in enhancing neonatal care expertise in the country.

Under the guidance of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) and with the generous support of Nest 360 and CHAI, the program provided a comprehensive 10-month online course to participating nurses. This theoretical foundation was further reinforced through rigorous clinical mentorship facilitated by COINN experts.

The program's successful culmination on March 15, 2024, represents a milestone in Nigeria's healthcare landscape. Mrs. Latifa Mohammed, a distinguished Neonatal Nurse Preceptor from Ghana, lent her expertise to the initiative, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving regional healthcare advancements.

Among the participants were aspiring Neonatal Nursing students, alongside esteemed Deputy Directors of Nursing from paediatric units, reflecting a diverse cohort committed to advancing neonatal care standards,a statement posted on university of ibadan (UCH) Facebook page stated.

This innovative program not only equips nurses with specialized skills critical for neonatal healthcare but also underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges. As Nigeria continues to prioritize maternal and child health, initiatives like these promise to yield enduring benefits for the nation's most vulnerable population.