Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a vital effort to combat neonatal mortality, Rotary International has trained over 650 health workers in Sierra Leone in life-saving newborn resuscitation techniques.

The initiative, part of the “Helping Babies Breathe” program, aims to equip healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to respond to newborns experiencing perinatal asphyxia, a leading cause of infant deaths.

Rotary members from Sierra Leone, in collaboration with counterparts from North America, have provided comprehensive training to nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers across the country.

These trained professionals are now better prepared to act quickly and efficiently when newborns struggle to breathe during birth, significantly improving survival rates.

Perinatal asphyxia, which occurs when a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen during birth, is a major contributor to neonatal deaths. By addressing this critical issue, the Helping Babies Breathe program is helping to reduce infant mortality, which remains a significant challenge in Sierra Leone.

“Through this program, we’re not just saving lives, but also empowering healthcare workers with the tools and knowledge they need to make a lasting difference,” said one Rotary representative.

The training focuses on practical, hands-on skills, ensuring that health workers can immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations.