International Women's Health Programme

Current Initiatives

ALARM International Programme

Skilled care saves lives.

The ALARM International Program (AIP) is a five-day training and mobilizing tool for health professionals involved in the delivery of essential obstetrical care in low resource countries. The content of the ALARM International Program is derived from evidence-based medicine and is currently maintained by SOGC’s ALARM International Committee. The AIP is endorsed by the Partnership for SM/NH and the World Health Organization as a tool to ensure skilled attendance.

The AIP focuses its education on the main causes of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

The AIP was developed and piloted within The SOGC Partnership Project with the ob/gyn associations of Guatemala, Haiti, and Uganda in order to ensure sensitivity to the local realities, conditions and expectations of practice and further provide ample opportunity to integrate local concerns. The AIP has been conducted successfully in more than 20 countries to over 1000 skilled attendants. The course material is currently available in English, French, Spanish and Albanian.

Critical Interventions to save Women and Children's Lives

Currently, there is a broad international consensus on the type of technical interventions that can lead to mortality reductions. Countries that have reduced deaths have ensured:

high levels of access to a skilled attendant at birth (nurse, midwife or doctor with midwifery skills) and
access to emergency obstetrical care in case of complications
a functional referral system which ensures access to emergency care if needed.

ALARM International Program Topics

Antepartum Haemorrhage
Assisted Vaginal Birth
Coagulation Disorders in Pregnancy
Communication, Consultation and Documentation
Data Presentation
Delivery of Twins
Fetal Health Surveillance
Hypertension in Pregnancy
Improving Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
Induction of Labour
Infections

Management of Labour
Monitoring and Evaluation
Newborn Resuscitation and Care
Pain Relief in Labour
Post Abortal Care
Postpartum Haemorrhage
Prelabour Rupture of Membranes
Preterm Labour and Preterm Birth
Risk Management
Shoulder Dystocia
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section
Vaginal Breech Delivery

All of the AIPs are conducted in partnership with the local ob/gyn association, university and/or other non-governmental organizations to ensure viability and sustainability. Typically, the Program uses Canadian and local expertise and SOGC members regularly contribute as Faculty members, trainers, mentors and expert counsel to the AIP.

For further information relating to the ALARM International Program: intl@sogc.com or via telephone at 1-800-561-2416 (in Canada) or (613) 730-4192.