Georgetown, Guyana – October 23, 2025 – In a continued effort to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, an updated training in Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM) was held from October 13 to 17, 2025, in Georgetown, Guyana. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), the Healthy Life Course Unit of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Guyana Office, and the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Ministry of Health.
The training targeted senior medical doctors and midwives from maternity wards and primary health care facilities across the country. Facilitated by Canadian obstetricians Dr. Kellet Russ and Dr. Christine Bloch, the program aimed to:
Enhance knowledge and skills in managing emergency obstetric care for the leading causes of maternal mortality; improve the quality of care at both primary and tertiary levels and provide simulation exercises for managing obstetric emergencies.
Guyana has made significant strides in maternal health. Data from a recent Maternal Review meeting revealed a reduction in maternal mortality from 148 per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 122 in 2020. UN estimates in 2024 further show a decline to 74 per 100,000. To meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of less than 70 per 100,000 by 2030, the Ministry of Health and PAHO continue to support key interventions such as:
- Zero Maternal Deaths from Haemorrhage initiative
- Early identification and referral of high-risk pregnancies
- Empowerment of traditional birth attendants
- Promotion of the Safe Motherhood approach
- Focused management of obstetric emergencies
Since its introduction in 2009, the ALARM International Programme (AIP) has trained over 384 health professionals in Guyana. The 2025 training introduced updated modules, last revised in 2016, with a stronger emphasis on obstetric emergencies, sexual and reproductive rights, neonatal resuscitation, and management.
The training methodology included pre-tests, theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and simulation using obstetric and neonatal mannequins. All participants successfully passed the post-test evaluations. Materials donated by PAHO were handed over to the Ministry of Health to facilitate further regional rollouts.
This training also contributes to Continuing Medical Education (CME) certification for participating medical doctors in obstetrics.
PAHO remains committed to supporting Guyana in achieving its SDG targets and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes nationwide.
