The Ministry of Health and Population Emphasizes the Vital Role of Midwives in Improving Reproductive and Maternal Health

Written by Walid Abdel Salam

Tuesday, 06 June 2023 12:00 AM

The Ministry of Health and Population stressed the importance of the role of the midwife, which can meet 90% of the necessary needs represented in services to improve reproductive health, maternal health, newborns and adolescents, which is confirmed by international studies.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, told Youm7 that midwifery has a great impact on improving reproductive health services, and continued: It has a positive effect in reducing maternal and newborn mortality.

Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, added that skilled midwives are considered an essential cadre for health systems in facing challenges related to reproductive health services, maternal health, newborns, children and adolescents, pointing to the advantages of midwifery in the low cost and number of medical interventions, in parallel with the increase in childbirth experiences, and improving maternal health.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population pointed to the large gaps between countries in providing midwives who work in accordance with international standards, especially in low- and middle-income countries, pointing to the global shortage of midwives, which amounts to about 1.1 million providers of reproductive care for newly born mothers, noting the decrease in global maternal mortality. increased by 38% between 2000 and 2017.

He continued: Despite all the challenges, there is a golden opportunity represented in activating the national commitments through the regional strategy to provide manpower for midwifery in the Arab region, stressing the importance of working to develop action plans at the country level, and facilitating exchange between global, regional and national midwifery leaders, to exchange Evidence, good practices and common challenges.

He pointed to the need to invest in four areas, including planning, managing and organizing the health workforce in the work environment, high-quality education and training for midwives, midwifery leadership and governance, and the systems in which midwives work in maternal, reproductive, newborn and adolescent health services.

He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to always work on the general vision of the Regional Midwifery Forum to stimulate mobilization, communication and call for cooperation, to accelerate transformational work and invest in the quality of various aspects of health care, including midwifery.

Dr. Abla Al-Alfi added that there are challenges facing midwives in the region and necessitates attention to training, governance and outstanding performance in order to avoid complications and implement the health of the mother and child through awareness of the importance of natural childbirth and improving reproductive health, maternal health, newborns and adolescents, which is confirmed by international studies, and its positive impact on reducing of maternal and neonatal deaths.

She added that the Golden Thousand Initiative works to qualify skilled midwives to become a key cadre for health systems in facing challenges related to reproductive health services, maternal health, newborns, children and adolescents, noting the role of midwifery in reducing the cost and number of medical interventions, in parallel with increasing childbirth experiences and improving maternal health. .