Launch of the new simulation-based modular training for Skilled Health Personnel And Skilled Birth Attendants (SHP/SBA)
[Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, April 21, 2025] - Another historic moment for maternal and newborn health in Nepal began today with the launch of the new simulation-based modular training for Skilled Health Personnel (SHP) and Skilled Birth Attendants (SBA). Held at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital (Prasuti Griha), this pilot training program is led by the National Health Training Centre (NHTC) and financially supported by One Heart Worldwide (OHW) through a grant from the International Foundation to enhance the quality of care for mothers and newborns throughout Nepal. This pilot batch includes 12 participants across Madhesh, Karnali, and Lumbini provinces.
In response to a slower-than-expected decline in maternal and newborn mortality despite steady increases in institutional births, Nepal launched the Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Roadmap 2030 and the SHP/SBA Strategy 2020–2025 in 2019 to raise the quality of maternal and newborn care offered in Nepal. This new training program is a direct result of these two initiatives. It is the culmination of years of dedicated effort, technical input, and alignment with government priorities, with significant contributions from partners such as UNICEF, WHO, Nick Simons Institute (NSI), Green Tara Nepal, and OHW.
The training program comprises several modules ranging from foundational topics in maternal and newborn health to emergency obstetric first aid, physiological birth, and the identification and management of complications. Each module varies in length (between 4 and 20 days) and is targeted to specific cadres, such as auxiliary nurse midwives, staff nurses, doctors, and paramedics, depending on their roles and service levels.
"This modular training is expected to address critical gaps in the quality of service delivery, particularly as access and coverage continue to expand. We are very grateful to all our partners for their support."
- Dr. Bibek Lal, Director of Family Welfare Division
Today’s milestone event signals a nationwide shift in how maternal and newborn health providers are trained in Nepal.
"This is a major milestone for the SHP/SBA training program. The simulation-based learning modality and modular approach are two key strengths that will help improve the quality of care. After all, there is no health care without quality care."
- Dr. Tanka Prasad Barakoti, Director General of Ministry of Health and Population
The modular training package strengthens the capacity of MNH service providers through simulation-based learning, helping them apply clinical skills in diverse healthcare settings. One Heart Worldwide is honored to support the launch of this inaugural cohort, which lays the foundation for nationwide scale-up.
"This pilot training ensures that quality care extends to those who need it most. It brings simulation-based learning and respectful maternal care to the forefront, while ensuring that participants from provinces like Karnali and Madhesh are not left behind."
- Surya Bhatta, Co-Chief Executive Officer of OHW
The broader training development lasted over 2.5 years and was driven by close collaboration with NHTC, Family Welfare Division (FWD), and many stakeholders across sectors, including OHW.
"This training package is a transformative strategy to revolutionize the quality of care in Nepal. UNICEF is committed to supporting its rollout nationwide."
- Dr. Buddhi Setiawan, Chief Health, Nepal Country Office, UNICEF
The opening ceremony was chaired by Ms. Yasodha Aryal, Director of NHTC, and featured distinguished guests including hospital staff, trainers, trainees, and partner representatives from OHW, WHO, NSI, Green Tara, and UNICEF.
"This pilot is a significant step in reforming training programs in Nepal. We are preparing to launch a second pilot in Gandaki Province for which a detailed training implementation plan is currently being developed."
- Yasodha Aryal, Director of the National Health Training Center
Mr. Chetan Nidhi Wagle, Senior Public Health Administrator, presented an overview of the training package and its development process, highlighting its three key features: its strong focus on quality, its structure tailored to the roles and work settings of health providers, and the adoption of simulation-based learning methods.
This training program will be rolled out nationwide and adopted as the official standard for SHP and SBA training. It is designed to strengthen the capacity of maternal and newborn health providers across diverse healthcare settings. The nationwide adoption of the training program represents a major move towards ensuring safer deliveries and better outcomes for mothers and babies throughout Nepal.
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About Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital
Founded in 1959, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital is Nepal’s first maternity hospital and a leading center for maternal and child health located in Thapathali, Kathmandu. It provides comprehensive services, including obstetric, neonatal, gynecological, and family planning care, serving thousands of women and newborns every year.
About One Heart Worldwide
One Heart Worldwide is an international non-governmental organization that has been implementing maternal and newborn health system-strengthening programs in Nepal since 2010. Their programs target every aspect of the local health systems, including health facilities, government authorities, and communities, to ensure that every woman and newborn can access quality health services no matter where they live.
For further information, please contact:
One Heart Worldwide (OHW)
Mr. Surya Bhatta, Co-CEO
