Walvis Bay Midwife trains in postpartum haemorrhage management

November 7, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Postpartum Haemorrhage Training Prepares Walvis Bay Midwife

Ndapewoshali Shixungileni, an Advanced Midwife and Neonatal Nurse at Walvis Bay District Hospital, attended a postpartum haemorrhage training workshop in Windhoek from September 7 to 9, 2026, joining 54 nurses, midwives, and doctors from across Namibia’s 14 regions to learn advanced emergency response techniques, namibia.unfpa.org reported.

    Key Clinical Takeaways:

  • Obstetric haemorrhage remains Namibia’s second leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 16 percent of maternal deaths.
  • The Ministry of Health and Social Services organized the September 2026 workshop alongside the United Nations Population Fund and international partners.
  • Trained health workers learn practical skills including the assembly and use of uterine balloon tamponades to control excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Namibia Reduces Maternal Mortality While Obstetric Bleeding Persists

Namibia has achieved significant reductions in maternal deaths over the past two decades. The maternal mortality ratio dropped from more than 450 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 down to 139 in 2024, according to figures reported by namibia.unfpa.org. Despite this progress, obstetric haemorrhage persists as a primary clinical challenge in maternity wards.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services, together with the United Nations Population Fund and partner organizations, coordinated the training initiative with support from the European Union through the Global Gateway and Safe Birth Africa project. This intervention addresses the ongoing risk posed by excessive bleeding following delivery.

Hands-On Training and Peer Instruction at Walvis Bay Hospital

During the three-day workshop in Windhoek, participants gained direct experience with life-saving equipment designed to manage obstetric emergencies. Shixungileni identified learning to assemble and use a uterine balloon tamponade as the most useful component of the curriculum.

The most memorable part was practising how to assemble and use the UBT, Shixungileni stated, as reported by namibia.unfpa.org.

Upon returning to Walvis Bay District Hospital, Shixungileni briefed maternity ward colleagues on these practical procedures to ensure the entire clinical team remains prepared for urgent situations.

Expanding National Training Initiatives

In 2025, UNFPA Namibia and the Ministry of Health and Social Services trained 130 health workers across the Ohangwena, Omaheke, Kunene, and Zambezi regions, focusing on adolescent health, gender-based violence response, and postpartum and post-abortion family planning. Health workers also learnt about relevant sexual and reproductive health and GBV policies and laws to help them provide better services to women and young people.

What keeps me motivated is seeing a mother and baby going home healthy and happy after a successful delivery, Shixungileni said, according to namibia.unfpa.org. Mothers put their trust in us when they come to the hospital, and we should not let them down.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

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