Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the health ministry Dr Shamdeo Persaud says midwives need to keep abreast with the latest knowledge and skills and advances in technology in order to reduce maternal deaths.
In his address at the third Annual Midwives Conference on Thursday, Persaud noted that the continued reports of reports of maternal deaths have indicated the need for more community involvement, since despite the numerous programmes in place there are still gaps that need to be addressed. The CMO added that one-third of maternal deaths is due to lack of knowledge and in some instances, deaths could have been avoided if cases had been handled differently with better midwifery advice, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
More than 180 midwives and students from across the country attended the conference, hosted by the Midwives Association of Guyana. Presentations focused on the theme—‘Strengthening Midwifery Services in Guyana: Embracing new knowledge, best practices and promoting innovation.’
According to GINA, several officials noted that with advances in technology, midwives need to keep increasing their knowledge and familiarise themselves with the available data in order to better serve their patients. Taramattie Barker, Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health, also supported the view that midwives need to upgrade their skills and to find innovative ways to provide care to those under their charge. She urged them to pay keen attention to the issues discussed at the meeting and to support and learn from their colleagues and partner organisations, including the ministry. Barker noted that each midwife is tasked with helping to strengthen the service in the particular areas in which she serves. She also added that there is need to increase knowledge and education to reduce infant mortality.
GINA said the conference also featured presentations from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which focused on two thematic areas: Innovative Midwifery Research and Current Issues Facing Midwifery Practice. Case studies on key issues and challenges in midwifery practice were reviewed and presented with guidance from a team of experienced medical officials, it added.
The conference aimed to encourage best practices in midwifery and newborn care among midwives and to develop strategies to advance the midwifery profession in Guyana.
Chairperson of the Midwives Association of Guyana, Maria Francois, said the annual meeting presents an opportunity for the association to report on the progress and challenges it has encountered and to garner support and commitment in promoting safe motherhood.
Continuous midwifery education has taken on new momentum with programmes held so far in five of six accessible regions. Presentations focused mainly on the management of bleeding in pregnancy and PIH (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension). Midwives are documenting credit hours on forms provided, while awaiting completion of the legal process, GINA reported.
“With support from UNFPA, continuous assistance is provided to the three midwifery schools in Guyana, to strengthen midwifery students practice, mentorship and supervision,” GINA added. Improvement in quality of performance of midwifery students, examinations and practices are also recorded as continuous monitoring and evaluation have been streamlined. “There was also a 100% success rate gained at State Midwifery Examinations in all three midwifery schools in the latter part of 2001,” the meeting heard.
Durgan Patrick, of the UNFPA, pledged continued support to the Midwives Association of Guyana, noting that with the current total of the world population there is a need now, more than ever, for midwives.
In his presentation, Noel Holder, Director, Health Sciences Education at the ministry, said no woman should die in childbirth and education, training and adherence to standards that have withstood global tests will reduce the number of maternal deaths. “Stop being a doer and become a critical thinker,” he urged midwives, adding that midwives need to have a vision of where they want to be.
Holder stressed that continued education is vital for the process to be effective, since “a doer is uncreative,” while a critical thinker applies remedies.
In addition, PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr Beverly Barnett urged midwives to document and share their experiences with each other as Guyana strives to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, which deals with child mortality and maternal health, respectively. Dr Barnett noted that government has repeatedly stated its commitment to meeting the MDGs and the Guyana MDG Report 2011 noted that the country is making good progress on MDG 4 and has the potential to reach MDG 5 in a short time.
