Overview
In response to the critical gap in evidence regarding midwifery education programs in low-income, conflict-affected regions, the Somali Research and Development Institute (SORDI), Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) – partners in the EQUAL research consortium – conducted rapid assessments of midwifery pre-service education in Yobe State, Nigeria, and in the Banaadir and Galguduud regions of Somalia.
Using an adapted version of the Midwifery Education Rapid Assessment Tool, the research aimed to evaluate program adherence to national and global standards while also exploring the impact of conflict on these programs.
Findings revealed disparities between the two contexts, with Nigerian schools meeting a higher percentage of standards compared to those in Somalia. Gaps, particularly in leadership, infrastructure, and resources, were identified in Somalia, while Nigeria faced challenges in staffing, preceptor capacity, and support for faculty and clinical practice sites.
The results underscore the need for increased investment in midwifery education to align with international standards and proactive measures to enhance student safety in conflict-affected settings. For more detailed insights, refer to the policy briefs on the respective assessments.
Read more about the assessment findings in these policy briefs: