On the occasion of the International Day of the Midwives which is celebrated on May 05, under the theme, “Midwives: A Vital Solution,” the Ministry of Health (MoH) lauded midwives, acknowledging the critical role they play not only in healthcare, but also as fundamental advocates for reproductive rights.
A MoH release on Saturday noted that midwives are indispensable, serving as the backbone of maternal and newborn health. Their work, it added, “transcends the boundaries of traditional healthcare; they offer personalised, respectful care, and uphold the dignity and choices of those they serve. This comprehensive approach is crucial in ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirths, significantly reducing health risks for both mothers and infants.”
According to the release, the Ministry has taken “significant” strides to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities in obstetrics and gynaecology, aiming to provide midwives with state-of-the-art facilities and tools necessary for their work. It spoke of recent upgrades which include the renovation of maternity wards and the introduction of advanced medical technologies that support safer and more efficient birthing processes. These enhancements, it posited, not only improve the care environment but also boost the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver “exceptional” services.
As evidence of its commitment to providing training and professional development opportunities for its health care providers, the ministry pointed to the number of educational continuous trainings now available, including ALARM and Helping Babies Breathe. In an effort to keep the standards high, midwives are also required to attend continuing education sessions for re-licensure. These initiatives, it explained, are “crucial” in keeping its midwives at the forefront of modern practices and research in maternal health.
However, the government has also come to the realisation of the need to improve the welfare of its midwives and in January 2023, they were given a 74.7% salary increase, in appreciation for their service. Further, ongoing efforts are being made to raise awareness about this category of nursing personnel, aiming for them to be identified and recognised globally as a distinct profession.
As such, the release acknowledged the role of the midwife in the healthcare system, recognising that they are not just caregivers but also educators and advocates for healthy practices and rights. As such, the MoH has taken this opportunity to reaffirm its support for midwives and their critical role in the healthcare system, understanding that their “tireless” work does more than deliver healthcare, “it champions the rights and well-being of families, driving us towards a healthier, more equitable society.”
