Just a click away: sharing WHO technical updates on RMNCAH through public webinars in Myanmar

World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in setting global health standards and providing guidance on public health issues. In its commitment to improving the health and well–being of individuals across the globe, WHO periodically updates and shares technical guidelines on various aspects of health, ensuring the appropriate use of evidence, to facilitate the countries making informed decisions globally on whether, when and how to undertake specific actions such as clinical interventions, diagnostic tests or public health measures with the aim of achieving the best possible individual or collective health outcomes. WHO country offices are responsible for introducing such evidence-based recommendations to the countries. 

To promote this important function, WHO Myanmar is organizing a series of online webinars via Zoom Platform, during 2023 sharing the updated WHO recommendations and guidelines on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH). The webinars are held on Friday of the last week of every month and open to all with free access – a platform for fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Photo: RMNCAH Webinar – 1 WHO Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a positive pregnancy experience

Reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health encompass a broad spectrum of healthcare services and interventions critical for the survival, health, well-being and development of individuals. By addressing the unique needs of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal period, as well as the health of newborns, infants, children and adolescents, RMNCAH guidelines aim to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, promote healthy growth and development, and address health inequities.

The RMNCAH webinars are delivered in the English language with simultaneous Myanmar interpretation to allow more participation regardless of their backgrounds whether healthcare professionals or the general public. One week before each webinar, invitations are shared on WHO Myanmar social media channels to reach a wider audience as much as possible. Social media health messages related to the specific topic of webinar are also posted on WHO social media for the general public targeting women, pregnant mothers, adolescents and youths. After each webinar, resource materials of the webinars are shared, and feedback evaluations are systematically collected from the attendees for further improvement of these events in future.

Photo: Dr Thushara Fernado (WHO Representative to Myanmar) delivering welcome remarks at the webinar (below), Dr Nilmini Hemachandra Technical Officer, WHO Myanmar (RMNCAH) (above left) and Dr Anoma Jayathilaka, Medical officer- RMH, WHO regional office for South East Asia  (above right)

From January to June 2023, WHO Myanmar conducted a total of six online webinars successfully covering the important technical areas of antenatal care, intrapartum care and labour care guide, postnatal care, stillbirth prevention and management, family planning and self–care interventions for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). More than 2,900 webinar registration was received not only from the diverse health cadres such as medical doctors, nurses, public health programme managers, and health volunteers, but also from the local Myanmar people who are mostly caregivers. One of the social media influencers, with thousands of followers, who is popular amongst Myanmar mother’s community, mentioned on her page about the WHO webinar series and shared the importance of antenatal visits/contacts during pregnancy that she learnt via webinar.

The WHO’s webinars on RMNCAH guidelines in Myanmar have been instrumental in empowering healthcare professionals, policymakers and stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care to mothers and children. By disseminating evidence–based recommendations and strategies, these webinars contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes across the country. Through this good practice, the positive impact on mothers and children in Myanmar will be substantial amidst the challenges. WHO’s commitment to sharing the updated RMNCAH guidelines through webinars highlights the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in nurturing a healthier future for mothers and children in Myanmar.