Honouring Our Midwives: Advocating for Skilled Midwives For Safe Childbirth

In a significant move to address maternal health challenges, events were held in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday to commemorate International Day of the Midwife, highlighting the critical role of skilled midwives in saving lives. This year’s theme, “From Evidence to Reality,” calls for urgent action to improve the working conditions and respect for midwives, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for women and families.

According to World Bank data, maternal mortality in Bangladesh has decreased from 269 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2009 to 173 per 100,000 in 2017, largely due to the introduction of midwifery services. However, many women in the Rohingya and host communities still lack access to these essential services.

The events, organised by the Sexual and Reproductive Health Working Group, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders and health partners about investing in skilled midwives. These professionals are often the only healthcare workers available in hard-to-reach areas, providing vital information on sexual and reproductive health, including family planning and prevention of gender-based violence.

Cox’s Bazar Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Nasim Ahmed, who attended the event, praised the Prime Minister for her commitment to enhancing midwifery education and services in Bangladesh. He emphasised the need to fill existing gaps in the midwifery profession to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Roselidah Raphael, head of UNFPA’s Sub Office in Bangladesh, echoed these sentiments, stating, “If every pregnant woman had access to a well-trained, caring midwife, we would be much closer to a world where every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe.” This statement underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure every woman can receive the care she deserves.

Sadia Afrin Sonia, a midwife supervisor in Cox’s Bazar, shared her firsthand experiences in providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. She highlighted the essential roles midwives play, from antenatal care to support for survivors of gender-based violence, reflecting the multifaceted impact of midwifery on community health.

The events included a flash mob at Laboni Beach, followed by a public rally and the launch of a midwife fair. These activities aimed to engage the community and raise awareness about the importance of skilled midwives in reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates.

As UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem stated, “Universal access to skilled midwives is one of the most important ways to avert preventable maternal and newborn deaths.” This emphasis on midwifery services is crucial not only for improving health outcomes but also for advancing sexual and reproductive rights in Bangladesh.

Source: Dhaka Tribune
Picture Credit: Dhaka Tribune