OP-ED BY UNFPA THE GAMBIA REPRESENTATIVE, MS NDEYE ROSE SARR ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE 2024
Ndeye Rose Sarr, UNFPA Country Representative
Banjul 4th May, 2023-In celebration of International Day of the Midwife, UNFPA The Gambia honors the contributions of midwives who are indispensable professionals in safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and newborns globally. They play a crucial role in delivering essential healthcare services, particularly during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Midwives are the foundation for achieving the transformative goal of ending preventable maternal deaths, and their contributions are invaluable. In The Gambia, as in many other countries, midwives are at the forefront of providing essential healthcare services, making a significant impact on the well-being of mothers and their newborns. We extend our gratitude to midwives everywhere for their unwavering commitment and the positive impact they make on our communities.
The theme for this year’s International Day of the Midwife is “Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution.” This underscores the indispensable role of midwives in communities affected by climate-related crises, disasters, floods, displacement, and extreme weather. Childbirth occurs no matter the circumstances a woman faces, whether she is at home or forced to flee due to conflict or disaster.
The Gambia has made commendable progress in improving the proportion of deliveries attended by skilled health professionals. Approximately 84% of deliveries now take place in health institutions. This shift ensures that mothers and newborns receive necessary medical care and attention during childbirth. However, the overall maternal death rate at 289 per 100,000 live births remains high.
Currently, out of the approximately 421 midwives deployed throughout the country, 295 are concentrated in Banjul and the West Coast Region. This disparity in distribution creates a situation where other regions are left with critical gaps in midwifery services, which needs to be urgently addressed as the needs in those regions stays greater and it’s imperative to leave no one behind.
As part of its efforts to improve maternal health services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, UNFPA The Gambia has funded the training of 100 midwives. Additionally, UNFPA provided teaching aids to midwifery training institutions, ensuring students access to quality learning resources. Furthermore, furniture was provided to the Community Health Training Nursing School in Mansa Konko and the State EnrollTraining Nursing School in Bansang, enhancing the overall learning environment for nursing students.
In collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society partners, and healthcare providers, UNFPA The Gambia is committed to continuously improving the status of midwifery. By doing so, we aim to promote the well-being of mothers and children. Together, we can cultivate an environment that empowers midwives, ensures comprehensive healthcare services for women, and cherishes every pregnancy and childbirth as a safe and desired experience.
Happy International Day of the Midwife! #MidwivesSaveLives