First Lady Commends Midwives For Reduction In Maternal And Infant Mortality

The First Lady, Nana Lordina Dramani Mahama, has commended midwifes for their role in the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in the country. She said latest statistics shows a drop in infant mortality from 900 to 300 out of 100,000 women who dies after birth. This reduction she attributed to the hard work and dedication of midwifes. She expressed her commitment to improve the standards and professionalism of the health care staff especially midwifes.

Nana Lordina however expressed worry about the rate at which 30 percent of women who go for antenatal care end up delivering at home instead of health facilities. She said this practice is unacceptable since majority of maternal deaths are due to unsupervised births.

She stressed the need for all to assist in championing the use immunization services in the country since it is one of the most cost effective interventions in reducing communicable disease and under five morbidity and mortality.

The Ghana Registered Midwives Association has called on Government and Civil Society organizations to invest in Midwifery especially in rural areas. Speaking at the launch of this year International Day of the Midwife in Takoradi, the President of the Association, Mrs Joyce Jetuah said midwifes needed all the support to enhance their work.

Mrs. Jetuah said despite effort by midwives to save lives of mothers and children thereby reducing maternal mortality, they are not given the recognition they deserve. She believes the time has come for all to highlights the importance of midwifery in the country since the future of the country lies in the hands the woman through the help of a midwife. Mrs Jetuah also called on midwifes to be professional in dealing with their clients.

The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, Felix Nyanteh expressed the need for midwives to acquaint themselves with the code of ethics of their profession. He said the council would collaborate with other stakeholders in the health sector to support midwifery.

At the end of the ceremony award were given to some student midwives who excelled in various fields of study. The overall award went to Rosalind Agyenim Boateng.

International Day of The Midwife takes place every May 5. This is a time to recognise the important work of midwives around the world and show your support. The day, which has been observed since 1991 is organised by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to raise awareness of the important job midwives do and the care they provide in your community.