MAURITIUS: Reproductive Health

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:[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]

To download an application form, visit our website
http://ncb.intnet.mu/mih/index.htm