RISE-Ghana, a non-governmental organization based in Bolgatanga, Ghana, advocates for increased investment in midwifery training to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure that babies are born healthy and on time. The call was made by RISE-Ghana’s Executive Director, Awal Ahmed Kariama, in a statement released on May 5, 2024, in conjunction with this year’s International Day of the Midwives.
Midwives play a critical role not only in delivering babies but also in providing comprehensive reproductive health care. They educate women on a range of issues including contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal care, and comprehensive abortion care. Midwives are often the primary healthcare providers for women and newborns, especially in rural or underserved areas. By empowering women to manage their reproductive health, midwives enhance women’s rights and economic resilience.
Improved training for midwives is directly linked to better health outcomes for mothers and infants. Well-trained midwives are equipped to manage births effectively, reducing the likelihood of complications and the need for additional medical interventions. This not only saves lives but also reduces healthcare costs associated with prolonged hospital stays and complex medical procedures.
The theme for the 2024 International Day of the Midwives, “Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution,” highlights the significant role midwives can play in addressing climate change. The choice of this theme underscores the critical intersections between global health and environmental sustainability. Climate change poses a significant health risk, particularly for pregnant women and newborns, who are vulnerable to its effects such as malnutrition, heat stress, and diseases spread by contaminated water and insects.
Midwives contribute to environmental sustainability by implementing practices that reduce the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint. For instance, by providing localized care, midwives reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to health facilities. This not only conserves energy but also enhances access to healthcare. Additionally, midwives promote breastfeeding, which is not only beneficial for health but also environmentally friendly compared to formula feeding that involves significant resource use in production and waste.
Despite their crucial role, midwives often face significant challenges. In many regions, particularly where resources are scarce, midwives work under difficult conditions without adequate support or equipment. Furthermore, the rapid pace of urbanization and environmental degradation can compromise the health of pregnant women and their babies, placing additional pressure on midwives.
RISE-Ghana’s statement is a call to action for all stakeholders to recognize and invest in the role of midwives in advancing not just health but also a safer planet. It highlights the need for comprehensive and sustainable approaches to healthcare that include robust midwifery services. The organization underscores the importance of midwives in the broader context of public health and their potential to contribute to environmental sustainability.
RISE-Ghana also took the opportunity to thank various partners and donors for their support, which has been instrumental in advancing maternal and child health. Organizations like UNICEF-Ghana, CDD-Ghana/Hewlett Foundation, and the STAR-Ghana Foundation have provided significant technical and financial investments that have helped strengthen health systems and improve the quality of care.
Investing in midwifery training can also have significant economic benefits. By reducing the incidence of maternal and neonatal complications, midwifery care reduces the long-term costs associated with healthcare. Moreover, healthy mothers and children contribute more effectively to their communities and economies.
The advocacy by RISE-Ghana highlights the multifaceted role of midwives in ensuring healthy mothers and babies, advocating for women’s rights, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing economic resilience. The call for more investment in midwifery training is crucial in building resilient health systems that can withstand the challenges of the present and the future. As the world marked International Day of the Midwives, the focus on midwives as a vital climate solution serves as a reminder of the broad impacts that healthcare professionals can have on public health, the environment, and society at large.
Source: The Graphic Online
