From 16 to 18 November 2026 , the Paolo Chiesi Foundation will host the second edition of the training course “Essential newborn care in low-resource countries” (in Italian), organized by the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), in collaboration with its Study Group on Neonatal Care in Low-Resource Countries and the Foundation, following the success of the first edition last year.
Course objective
The course was created to offer healthcare professionals a working method and the information necessary to undertake a cooperative experience in the neonatology field in low- and middle-income countries, avoiding improvisation and placing the local reality and the role of local healthcare workers at the centre.
Over the course of three days, participants will explore the characteristics of newborns in the first hours of life, the organization of the delivery room and the postpartum phases, the correct and timely management of complications, the optimal use of available resources, and how to transfer effective procedures and practices to local teams.
The program
Three intense days, including theoretical sessions, field testimonials, and practical exercises:
Monday, November 16
Opening remarks and presentation of the SIN Study Group, the course, and the Paolo Chiesi Foundation, with an in-depth look at the Foundation’s NEST Model. This will be followed by an overview of neonatal mortality worldwide, WHO standards, and the results of quality assessments of care in resource-limited countries. A practical group exercise on reducing neonatal mortality in hospitals will also be presented, along with a testimony from a midwife returning from sub-Saharan Africa.
Tuesday, November 17
Live testimony from Abidjan on the role of nurses in Ivory Coast, sessions on neonatal hypothermia, kangaroo care, prevention of nosocomial infections, post-asphyxia and post-discharge care, as well as a session dedicated to the pathophysiology and algorithms of neonatal resuscitation in low-resource settings, with practice in simulated scenarios.
Wednesday, November 18
Testimonial from a resident returning from Malawi, sessions on neonatal nutrition, respiratory failure, “homemade” CPAP construction and rotational KC practices, a focus on the possibility of conducting research in low-resource countries, information on reference manuals and guidelines and practical advice on “what to pack” for those leaving.
Download the complete program (in Italian)
The sessions will be led by a group of speakers including clinicians, researchers, and practitioners with direct experience in the field: E. Balestri, J. Bua, G. Calciolari, L. Canonico, O. Lincetto, P. Mussini, B. Nardin, S. Perrone, F. Priolo, M. Salvadori, RF Schumacher, G. Spanedda, D. Trevisanuto, F. Uxa, M. Usuelli, P. Villani.
How to participate
The course is free and requires registration. Places are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If all available places are filled, you will be able to register on a waiting list.
Sign up for the course (in Italian)
Headquarters: Paolo Chiesi Foundation (Chiesi Pharmaceuticals HQ), Via Paradigna 131/A, 43122 Parma
For logistical information and registration: info@paolochiesifoundation.com
For information on course content: jennybua@gmail.com
