Saving Mothers is dedicated to improving maternal healthcare in low-resource settings, driven by our belief that no woman should die while giving life. A cornerstone of our mission is empowering frontline maternal healthcare workers through capacity-building initiatives. In the Dominican Republic, where maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the region, we have made significant strides by implementing simulation-based training to enhance the management of obstetrical emergencies, such as postpartum hemorrhage, in hospitals. We are now expanding this impactful program to a second public hospital in the country. By continuing to strengthen the skills of doctors and nurses in major public hospitals, we are committed to further reducing maternal mortality rates for women in the Dominican Republic.
The primary beneficiaries of our project are the women of the Dominican Republic, particularly those who rely on public healthcare facilities for maternal care. This population is at a heightened risk due to the country's elevated maternal mortality rates, often exacerbated by inadequate access to quality medical care during childbirth. By focusing on enhancing the skills of healthcare workers in these public hospitals, we aim to directly improve the safety and outcomes of childbirth for these women. This population is prioritized because they are the most vulnerable and underserved, facing significant barriers to receiving the critical, life-saving care they need during one of the most crucial moments of their lives.
The expected impact of our project centers on empowering healthcare workers in the Dominican Republic by enhancing their skills and confidence through comprehensive simulation-based training. By equipping doctors and nurses with advanced techniques for managing obstetrical emergencies, we aim to significantly improve their ability to provide high-quality maternal care. As a secondary outcome, this strengthened capacity among healthcare professionals is anticipated to lead to a reduction in maternal mortality rates within the region. After our team returns, the knowledge and skills acquired will continue to be applied and shared by the trained local staff, ensuring sustained improvements in maternal healthcare practices. Additionally, the insights gained from this initiative will inform and refine Saving Mothers’ broader programs, enabling us to develop more effective strategies and replicate successful approaches in other high-need areas, thereby advancing our mission to prevent maternal deaths in low-resource settings.
The Saving Mothers team assessed the public Hospital de la Mujer in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The hospital, remodeled in June 2024, serves a large population with complex obstetric and gynecologic cases and is run by 56 residents. The team met with the hospital's director and department chiefs, identifying key areas for improvement, including the lack of laparoscopy training, limited PPH interventions, and the absence of formal ultrasound training for residents. Proposed initiatives include introducing PPH kits, creating a laparoscopy program, and implementing a structured ultrasound training program. We are excited for this new partnership and next steps!
