REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH TRAINING PROGRAMME

Introduction

In 1999 UNFPA in collaboration with the Fiji School of Medicine (FSM) initiated a Reproductive Health Training Programme (RHTP) for the pacific region.  Pacific Island Countries (PICs) had stressed the need for an advanced level of training for middle level health care workers in the various aspects of reproductive health care.  This component project was designed to contribute to the Reproductive Health/Family Planning/Sexual Health (RH/FP/SH) Sub-Programme’s effort in improving knowledge and skills of the service providers in the delivery of RH/FP/SH services through the training of health personnel from seven priority Pacific countries to provide quality RH/FP/SH services.

The project ultimately contributes to better RH status of Pacific Islanders particularly women and adolescents.

Regional Project Background

This project is designed to improve knowledge and skills of RH/FP/SH service providers in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) through professional training of health personnel. The activities include a comprehensive 10 week RH certificate course for health workers in clinical, obstetrics and public health; and in-country training activities on RH such as pap smear programme, cervical cancer screening, strategies for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and addressing HIV/AIDS and adolescent sexuality.

Currently the FSM is executing this project.  FSM has been, for over 110 years, the main health training institution for health personnel at various levels in the Pacific Region, outside Papua New Guinea. It is further developing its involvement in continuing education in the Pacific region through its postgraduate programme and the RH programme. Currently FSM trains medical, dental and allied health personnel while the Fiji School of Nursing provides training in nursing and midwifery. Postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology is also currently available at FSM.

A total of 50 middle level health professionals from 8 Pacific Island countries have graduated since the course first started in 1999.  These professionals will take supervisory roles in their countries for improving and monitoring of RH programme at health centre level.

Regional Project Objectives

The overall goal for this Pacific Regional Project is to contribute to the enhancement of technical skills and the acquisition of new and undated knowledge, through regional education and training, in the management of RH, FP and SH programmes; and comprehensive and emergency obstetrics as well as the delivery of quality services.  While country-level training is an ultimate goal of FSM as flexible modes of delivery are eventually developed the RHTP Certificate Course is currently being delivered at regional level.

Expected Output 

The Project will contribute to the increased technical capacity and capability of the health professionals to provide quality reproductive health care services including quality management of RH programmes and essential and comprehensive obstetrics; and established network with other organisations working in the field of reproductive health.

FSM is looking forward to further institutionalising all aspects of the RHTP into its operational and academic systems, which will serve to enhance the sustainability of this programme.