An important initiative of international outreach and cross-border cooperation, promoting the exchange of knowledge and the provision of high-quality maternal care services across the Balkans, was the on-site practical training held at the Simulation Laboratory of the Department of Midwifery. The training took place within the framework of the English-language lifelong learning programme “Advanced Clinical Skills in Labour and Childbirth”, offered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the University of Western Macedonia.
Midwives from the Republic of North Macedonia participated in the practical training, receiving instruction in advanced techniques and clinical skills, with particular emphasis on physiological (non-interventional) childbirth and contemporary clinical practice.
Through targeted theoretical and practical training, the participants acquired skills that substantially contribute to enhancing the quality of clinical practice in the healthcare units where they work.
The importance of the educational process and the international dimension of the programme was highlighted by the Programme’s Scientific Director, Associate Professor Dimitris Papoutsis. In his statement, he noted that his participation both as Scientific Director and as an instructor in the specialised foreign-language training programme, which was addressed to midwives from Balkan countries, was a particularly fruitful and creative experience.
He further emphasised that the foreign-language programme aims to broaden international cooperation and promote excellence in midwifery education by transferring expertise beyond national borders and strengthening the professional links among healthcare professionals throughout the wider Balkan region.
It is worth noting that the programme is implemented with the support of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) and Professor Kypros Nicolaides, with the support of the Embassy of Greece in Skopje, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Association of Midwives of the Republic of North Macedonia.
The significance of this initiative was also highlighted by the Ambassador of Greece to North Macedonia, Sofia Philippidou, who stated that the provision of high-quality maternal care services, including throughout the Balkan region, is a priority for the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She expressed her gratitude to Professor Kypros Nicolaides, Director of the Fetal Medicine Foundation, for his generous support, as well as to the World Health Organization Office in Skopje and the Association of Midwives of North Macedonia.