The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery and with support from UNFPA, has launched a national training program for midwives on Helping Mothers Survive (HMS): WHO Bleeding After Birth (WHO BAB). The program targets post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal deaths globally and in Zambia.
During the official opening, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Mrs. Daphne Shamambo stressed Zambia’s commitment to maternal health. She described the training as a landmark intervention equipping midwives with evidence-based skills to prevent, identify, and manage PPH. She stated that “in the critical moments after childbirth, every second counts, and every skill acquired here can mean the difference between life and death.”
The WHO BAB module emphasizes practical, hands-on, and team-based learning. It trains frontline health workers to act swiftly in emergencies while promoting respectful and dignified care for mothers. Mrs. Shamambo urged participants to apply the knowledge consistently across health facilities nationwide.
The initiative aligns with Zambia’s National Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan and global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, particularly reducing maternal mortality. The Ministry of Health acknowledged the support of partners, training institutions, and professional associations for making the program possible.
The training aims to strengthen midwives’ competencies, improve maternal health outcomes, and reduce preventable maternal deaths. Mrs. Shamambo emphasized that “no woman should die while giving life,” highlighting Zambia’s determination to improve maternal health and save lives.