The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, represented by the Training and Development Centre in Sharjah, recently organised the Newborn Life Support, NLS, programme, in collaboration with the European Resuscitation Council, ERC.

The NLS programme provides clear practical instruction in resuscitation of babies at birth. It is designed for healthcare professionals regardless of their disciplines or status, who may be called upon to resuscitate a new born baby. The first-of-its-kind seminar in the Middle East, Asia and Africa region was conducted to improve the capabilities of the healthcare staff at the Ministry-run facilities and be at par with the latest international best practices.

A group of international trainers from the Netherlands, Britain, Ireland, Egypt, and Sudan provided training for the programme which is being held until 14th October. The course is being attended by more than 100 healthcare professionals, including paediatricians, neonatologists, emergency doctors, anaesthesiologists, nurses and technicians who work in obstetrics and deal with child births.

Speaking on the occasion, Awad Al Ketbi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Support Services Sector, said, "Such unique and internationally recognised health training programmes help in improving the quality of services provided to patients and at the same time upgrade hospital infrastructure to be eligible for international accreditation from organisations such as Joint Commission International, JCI.

Saqr Ghanim Al Hemeiri, Director of the Training and Development Centre, said, "The centre will continue to organise a variety of programmes for ministry staff to maintain sustainability of training and knowledge transfer.