PEMNeT represents a collaborative, culturally sensitive approach to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes across the Pacific. The programme is a vital PSRH initiative aimed at strengthening obstetric emergency skills and teamwork among maternity care providers in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). It was developed in 2015 to address gaps in continuing professional development for the maternity workforce, ensuring that teams remain well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively.
Key Features of PEMNeT
1. Locally suitable In-Service Training: The programme offers annual updates to refresh and enhance emergency clinical skills and team collaboration, aligning with evidence-based practices.
2. Sustainability Through Local Leadership: Facilitator Training Workshops empower in-country trainers, fostering sustainable, country-led training programmes.
3. Tailored Approach: The curriculum is specifically adapted to the Pacific context, incorporating feedback from local participants and educators.
4. Collaboration with PRactical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training (PROMPT) Global: A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established in 2023 grants PSRH access to PROMPT Global’s evidence-based training materials, allowing their adaptation to Pacific needs.
Impact and Evidence
The PEMNeT programme is modeled on the PROMPT Foundation’s approach, which has shown measurable reductions in maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality when conducted annually. This evidence underscores the effectiveness and value of such training programs.
Current Reach and Future Plans
PEMNeT has been successfully implemented in Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu, with plans to expand to two additional Pacific Island Countries in 2025.
How to Bring PEMNeT to Your Country
PEMNeT welcomes inquiries from governments, healthcare organisations, and institutions seeking to implement the programme. To explore the possibility of introducing PEMNeT in your country:
1. Firstly, to ensure sustainable funding, the PEMNeT programme needs to be written into the hospital / departments strategic plan for the year.
Contact PSRH: Email PSRH at secretariat@psrh.org.nz
2. Engage Stakeholders
Gather support from local healthcare leaders, policymakers, and facilities to ensure the programme aligns with national healthcare priorities.
3. Plan for Sustainability
Commit to facilitating local trainer workshops to establish long-term, country-led training programmes.
4. Collaborate on Funding
Work with PSRH to identify funding opportunities to support the initial rollout and ongoing implementation. Previous PEMNeT training has been funded via The Pacific Community (SPC) https://www.spc.int and Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) https://pmagroup.org.nz
By engaging with PEMNeT, you contribute to a proven initiative that reduces maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality while fostering local leadership in healthcare. Let’s work together to make maternal and neonatal emergencies more manageable, one country at a time.
How to Get Involved
PEMNeT thrives on collaboration, and there are many ways to contribute to this critical work:
1. Join the Faculty Team:
Healthcare professionals with expertise in maternal and neonatal care are encouraged to apply to become facilitators. Faculty roles involve conducting workshops, sharing knowledge, and empowering local teams.
2. Partner With Us:
Organisations interested in supporting maternal and neonatal health in the Pacific can partner with PSRH to extend the programmes reach and impact.
3. Volunteer Your Expertise:
Skilled clinicians, educators, and public health specialists can offer time or resources to support training and evaluation efforts.
4. Contribute Financially:
Donations and grants help sustain PEMNeT’s programmes, covering training materials, travel costs, and local capacity-building initiatives.
