Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Ifeanyi Nsofor Abuja Nigeriap
“Women die in childbirth in Nigeria, and many of these deaths can be prevented, particularly those related to the real killer - bleeding just after birth. My job is with Pathfinder, and we want to do something about that in Nigeria“.
My name is Ifeanyi McWilliams Nsofor, a Medical Doctor with over 10 years post-qualification experience. I obtained the Masters degree in Community Health (MCommH) from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool in December 2007.
Currently, I work as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Continuum of Care-Addressing Post Partum Haemorrhage Project (CC-PPH) with Pathfinder International County Office, Abuja. “The ultimate goal of the project is to prevent PPH and reduce morbidity and mortality from PPH. It has been estimated that the widespread adoption of the continuum of care model could prevent 133,000 deaths caused by PPH globally per year. This number represents 80% of all PPH deaths and 25% of maternal deaths from all causes”.
I am part of the core group of staff in-country charged with the planning, implementing and monitoring the CC-PPH project. Many of the things I learnt in Liverpool have helped, and I now also collaborate with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine on research. This includes receiving MIPH students who are sent to carry out their overseas research with Pathfinder International Nigeria Country Office. I provide mentorship for the students as they carry out their research work. The first student, Chinese by nationality, came to Nigeria in April 2009 and evaluated the CC-PPH project in Ibadan, Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria. Subsequently, a second MIPH student will arrive in Nigeria in April 2010 to conduct her research by evaluating the family planning project implemented by Pathfinder International in Northern Nigeria.
Anti-shock trousers, made out of neoprene, are put on women after a bleed to prevent them dying of shock, is one of the interventions we are trying. These “Non-pneumatic Anti Shock Garment (NASG)” are made from Neoprene, a stretchable material that has a recoil property. It is made in the shape of trousers which has been divided into segments for ease of application to different parts of lower body below the diaphragm with Velcro fasteners. Using the elasticity of the neoprene and Velcro fasteners, the garment can apply 30 to 50 mm Hg of pressure to the lower body pressure. The NASG is a refinement of the pneumatic military (or medical) antishock trousers. The NASG has been very effective in saving the lives of women who otherwise would have died. It has been documented to keep a woman alive for up to 72 hours while the Doctors and Midwives wait for blood for transfusion.
I am excited to be part of the CC-PPH project, using innovative cost-effective approaches in a resource limited environment. I am forever indebted to the Liverpool experience which has prepared me for this role.
Please find below some pictures:
