Montero, Bolivia, September 4, 2023 (PAHO)- Health professionals from the Gumucio Hospital in the municipality of Montero in the department of Santa Cruz participated in the workshop on immediate post-obstetric event contraception (AIPEO, for its acronym in Spanish), one of the strategies planned to expand and improve access to contraceptive methods after childbirth.
The workshop consisted of a theoretical phase, practical simulations and practice on patients. The requirement that health personnel had to meet to be part of the workshop was to have passed the virtual course on Post Obstetric Event Contraception (AIPEO) of the Virtual Campus of Public Health (CVSP) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), aimed at doctors and midwives in hospitals where pregnant women in labour and women undergoing abortion are assisted.
PAHO points out that "there is evidence of beneficial interventions to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, such as Immediate Post Obstetric Event Contraception with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods".
At the end, participants were given implants and Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs) and supplies that will be used for the practice for three months in their health centres.
Adult women and adolescents can avoid the adverse consequences of unintended pregnancies, both for their health and their socio-economic situation, as well as guaranteeing them a satisfactory sexual life if they have access to the universal service of modern and effective contraceptives.
The hospital management and those responsible for maternal health in the Santa Cruz Departmental Health Service (SEDES Santa Cruz) and the participants committed to practice for at least three months, and to receive follow-up and support from the workshop facilitator.
The authorities also pledged to make arrangements for the purchase of implants and IUDs, as well as to replicate them in their health centres.
The workshop participants received certificates for the virtual course, legalised with the seal of the College of Physicians.
These actions are part of the implementation of the Improved Health of Women and Adolescent Girls in Situations of Vulnerability Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and executed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This workshop is part of the in-country replication of the facilitators' workshops that were delivered by CLP/PAHO in April 2023.
Work will continue on further replication workshops in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Maternal Health Unit, led by Dr. Franco Espada.
