Earlier this month, Turku University of Applied Science, in cooperation with RTU, the University of West Attica, University of Zambia School of Nursing Sciences, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, The Catholic university of Malawi, KUHeS School of Nursing, International University of management of Windhoek, and University of Namibia Oshakati Campus organised the kick-off meeting of the Erasmus+ project EMama. EMama project tackles maternity mental health in Subsaharan Africa region, and aims to develop a Post Graduate Training Programme for maternal mental health needs.
The partners are working on analysing the situation in the partner countries, that is to say Namibia, Malawi and Zambia, to improve the level of competences, skills and employability of students in higher education institutions.
Indeed, worldwide, about 10‐15% of pregnant women or mothers in the postpartum period suffer from a mental disorder, primarily depression. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) the prevalence is much higher. Countries like Malawi, Namibia and Zambia are missing routine screening and treatment protocols for maternal mental disorders in primary care settings.
In this project, RTU is responsible of developing an education mobile application based on the needs of the SUb-Saharan communities needs and practices which aims to foster digital transformation, leading to sustainable growth, jobs, and economic recovery, linked strongly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project itself promote in various ways inclusive education, equality, equity, non-discrimination and the promotion of civic-competences.
During this kick-off meeting in Finland, RTU representatives met the partners involved and established a working plan together by discussing the project management and mental health practices. During the week, RTU representatives joined the visit of the hospital, where they have been invited to learn more about the maternity area and the different practices. Sub-Saharan partners have shared valuable experience and facts about their situation.
For any further information or if you have any question about this project, please feel free to contact m
