Global maternal healthcare, infant mortality and child care, among other key health issues involving mothers and babies, are fundamental discussions in the health sector. This is due to the fact that childbirth and the accompanying risks of complications for the parties involved remain the most constant and most natural occurrences in the world.
However, what does not get enough attention is the group of people whose job it is to ensure that every childbirth goes as smoothly as possible – the midwives. Therefore, every 5th day of May is set aside to commemorate these medical heroes whose role is contributing immensely to achieving the global health development targets, while recognising that they are not getting the adequate support that they need to do an even better job.
According to the United Nations, midwives are essential to pregnant women’s health and are a critical part of every newborn’s first month in life. In addition, their expertise helps to oversee and improve sexual and reproductive health in general. The theme for the International Day of the Midwife 2016, Women and Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery, is aimed at highlighting the achievements of midwives in reaching the global sustainable development goals (SDGs) for health, as well as pushing for investments in the occupation of midwifery.
Adequately trained and skilled midwives have the potential to avert two-thirds of infant and maternal mortality, especially in developing or conflict-ridden countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan where they are more likely to occur. This is why the Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, announced that in line with International Day of the Midwife 2016, partnerships with organisations and stakeholders will be made to strengthen the efforts of midwives in the country. Saraki also congratulated midwives for their contribution towards healthcare in Nigeria.
Founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a women’s rights charity, Toyin Saraki, suggests that investing in an ‘army of midwives’ in Nigeria will result in mitigating the unpleasant outcomes of childbirth in the country and also help to place Nigerian midwives at par with those from around the world. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is currently in the process of assisting more than 100 countries to train and support midwives, although it agrees that more can definitely be done in that regard.
The association urges countries to reward midwives who are already working in ‘difficult’ areas and conditions. Governments are asked to invest in the profession by providing training, decent remuneration, good working conditions, and other factors needed to ensure that the babies born within the next minutes everywhere in the world, along with their mothers, receive all the care that they need.
