2002 Training of Trainers Courses for Reproductive Health --------------------------------------------------------- 2002 Training of Trainers Course for Reproductive Health with emphasis on Family Planning 52nd Course (Anglophone): 3 June -12 July 53rd Course (Francophone): 23 September - 1 November Introduction The Mauritius Institute of Health is pleased to announce its Training of Trainers courses for Reproductive Health with emphasis on Family Planning. The present programme, adapted to better meet the WHO Regional Training activities in Family Health initiated in 1982, and those of the UNFPA Regional Project RAF/96/P01. The Mauritius Institute of Health, with the collaboration/support of the UNFPA, WHO and Government of Mauritius pursues its efforts/task in contributing to the upholding of the status of reproductive health in the Sub-Saharan region and beyond. To date more than 1200 professionals including faculty members, directors of training programmes, tutors, health professionals comprising Obstetricians/Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, Physicians, Midwives, Nurses in highly responsible positions have participated in this programme. The multi-disciplinary nature of this course enhances the quality of experiences shared/exchanged and promotes a better understanding of individual contribution to teamwork. Apart from the Training of Trainers for Reproductive Health courses, the MIH also offers back-up support for the organisation of in-country training programmes in specific aspects of reproductive health, and hosts study tours with objectives relating to reproductive health. Aims of the programme This regional programme aims at improving the reproductive health in sub-Saharan Africa by training trainers for reproductive health with special emphasis on family planning. The programme continues activities that began in 1982 and that have been modified over the years in order to reflect changing priorities in the region. Emphasis will henceforth be placed on 1. educational methodology as compared to clinical aspects, 2. a reflection in the curriculum oh the philosophy and objectives of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, 3. careful selection of participants in collaboration with country offices of WHO , UNFPA and other sponsoring agencies 4. follow-up of participants so as to ensure that participation in the courses is followed by appropriate training activities at the country level. With the anticipated multiplier effect in the training of health workers by former participants, it is expected that human resources for the provision of reproductive health services in the region will be greatly increased at the country level. The programme targets those countries where there is a greater need for the training of personnel in reproductive health. This phase of the programme is devoted mainly to the training of a critical mass of trainers for reproductive health in each country so as to maximise the efficiency of inputs through a cascade effect subsequently at the country level. Profile of participants Course participants must have a training role in reproductive health, the required profile being: 1. tutors in professional schools such as medical, nursing and midwifery, 2. members of in-service training teams, and 3. central, regional and district supervisors who have major training responsibilities as part of their supervisory activities. A mix of medical practitioners, nurses and midwives is appropriate in view of the interdisciplinary nature of primary health care and the exchange of experiences. Site of programme Programme activities strengthen the well-established collaboration between the Government of Mauritius, the Mauritius Institute of Health, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund and is based at its current premises at the Mauritius Institute of Health, Powder Mill, Pamplemousses. Contents of courses Each six-week course consists of two modules: 1. family planning for reproductive health and 2. educational methodology. These two modules complement each other: topics on family planning are used as examples to illustrate relevant items in the module on educational methodology and appropriate learning strategies and media are promoted in the module on family planning for reproductive health. Family planning for reproductive health Lasting two weeks, the module on family planning for reproductive health consists of an update of specific family planning methods as well as the reproductive health concept. The curriculum ensures that prominence is given to relevant topics as identified at the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo, in 1994. Educational methodology Lasting four weeks, this module is given increased emphasis in view of its primordial role in the course: this programme aims at training trainers for reproductive health as compared to training in clinical aspects of family planning. Participants have the opportunity of carrying out a micro-teaching session on a subject of their own choice. The session is recorded on a video tape which is played back so as to provide feedback to participants. Country training course With the support of the facilitators, participants work in country groups to develop a training course which they are expected to implement upon their return to their own countries. It is essential that participants be fully aware of the priority training needs in reproductive health for their countries, and prepare, in collaboration with their supervisors/funding agencies, a list of relevant topics before leaving for Mauritius.Participants might find it useful to bring with them relevant documents for the preparation of those training courses. Nomination of participants Countries are strongly encouraged to train a critical mass of trainers for reproductive health by proposing groups of participants for courses. The presence in a country of several former participants encourage mutual support for carrying out subsequent training activities as compared to single individuals who would not be otherwise motivated to act alone. It would be desirable for participants to attend in groups of three or four from each country. We would like to receive, confidentially if needed, your evaluation of candidates and any other comments that would help in our selection of participants. About 24 participants will be selected to attend each course. Expenses of participants Tuition fees for each participants is USD 2,500. Sponsoring agencies will be also responsible for the travel arrangements of participants and the living allowance for the time spent in Mauritius. Those agencies will be expected to provide participants with the airline ticket as well as an advance in foreign currency for the days spent in transit for both legs of the journey. The living expenses allowance for each participant is calculated according to UN stipend rate as follows: Max. Travel rate: 45% of the UN daily subsistence allowance (1st Month) Max. Resident rate: 30% (subsequent months) Entry visa Details of arrival and passport (nationality, passport number, dates of issue and expiry) should be sent to us as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements could be made for participants to be met at the airport and also for their entry visa. The MIH will obtain a collective visa for all participants. Participants from non-Commonwealth countries may have to leave their passports at the immigration desk at the airport. Those passports will be collected and returned to them within a few days. Follow-up of participants Within six weeks of the end of the course, each participant will submit a report to the funding agency. About six months after the course, a follow-up questionnaire will be sent to all participants. The questionnaire will include items such as learning, performance and impact indicators. Success of this programme can only be achieved by an adequate follow-up of former participants to promote further activities. Funding of those follow-up activities will be met from the national funds of reproductive health projects of WHO and UNFPA. Former participants have a major role to play as national facilitators in the holding of subsequent workshops. Close working relationships with WHO and UNFPA country offices as well as the three country support teams will promote the maintenance of contacts with former participants and encourage them to use their experience for follow-up activities. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further information. We look forward to receiving application from suitable individuals. Dr J.C.Mohith Executive Director Mauritius Institute of Health Pamplemousses, Mauritius Tel:+230-243-4268/3772/3698 Fax:+230-243-4014 mailto:indumih@intnet.mu mailto:mihealth@intnet.mu To download an application form, visit our website http://ncb.intnet.mu/mih/index.htm ************************************************************************ 'HIF-net at WHO': working together to improve access to reliable information for healthcare workers and health professionals in developing and transitional countries. Contact: Neil Pakenham-Walsh at <INASP_Health@compuserve.com>