Dalarna University is proud to have supported the GOB in preparing midwife teachers to support the introduction of professional midwifery in the country.
Between 2016-2022, 150 midwife teachers completed a one-year web-based Master's degree with Dalarna University, in the subject of sexual and reproductive perinatal health. They learnt how to evaluate, develop, and improve the quality of midwifery programmes and courses at some 40 higher education institutions in Bangladesh’.
Commitment to strengthen the role of midwives in Bangladesh
At present, the GOB has deployed around 2500 midwives for a population of over 170 million. The country’s maternal mortality rate is 136 women per 100 000 births. Research shows that child and maternal mortality decreases where there is accessibility to clinically trained midwives. The United Nations estimates that Bangladesh needs at least 25,000 midwives.
To enhance higher education, Dalarna University has once again been appointed to work with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Bangladesh.
From 2023 to 2026, Dalarna University will focus on handing over what has been built up in a sustainable manner to Bangladesh. The collaboration will include the following:
- Research seminars and seminars on leadership
- Midwifery-led care
- Basic knowledge of acute obstetric and neonatal care
- Mentorship in how to implement the content of programme and course syllabuses
- Support for Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in reproductive health that are web- and campus-based at various universities in Bangladesh
Ongoing 2024
With funding support from the Swedish Research Council (VR link) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dalarna University, along with local expertise, is spear-heading initiatives in 2024. Twenty faculty members have been chosen to participate in a specialized course aimed at enhancing the capabilities of educators who will lead the forthcoming midwifery master’s program in 2025 at two educational institutions in Dhaka. These faculty members will collaboratively craft the course content to propel the advancement of the MSc curriculum endorsement in autumn 2024.
Within the framework of the MSc curriculum, an essential facet involves the integration of research-informed quality improvement projects into the education of future midwifery professionals and leaders. As part of this initiative, two such projects will be initiated at the two designated educational institutions and their corresponding clinical practice sites in Dhaka.
Lecturer Noor Islam Pappu will undertake on-site monitoring of these projects from May to September, ensuring their effective implementation and impact. In tandem with these efforts, an outreach program will invite 150 alumni students to participate in a series of six virtual Zoom sessions. These sessions aim to provide alumni with insights into the ongoing projects while fostering a sense of continued engagement and learning in quality improvement initiatives.
Throughout the year, advocacy sessions will be conducted to promote awareness and understanding of the Massive Online Open Course (MOOC), particularly focusing on the role and scope of practice of midwives. These sessions will serve to underscore the importance of accessible and comprehensive educational resources in the field of midwifery.
