BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The Government of Eswatini today celebrated the International Day of the Midwife.
On this International Day of the Midwife, the Kingdom of Eswatini celebrates the numerous contributions that midwives make to the health and life of the women and children of Eswatini.
Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi said globally, Midwifery is increasingly recognized and valued as a healthcare profession providing services that are core-rather than peripheral-to primary health care.
She said they ensure that a woman’s right to a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth, essential care for her newborn, and postnatal care are fulfilled. Amid an acute shortage of midwives worldwide.
“When a family welcomes their precious bundle of joy, some may only recall the number of trips the pregnant woman took to visit the clinic for antenatal care contacts.
“It is likely that only she will remember her professional companion, who stood by her throughout the pregnancy-a midwife. Thank you so much for your efforts, and commitment to Babelekisi in making the journey of bringing life to this world memorable and safer, with your professionalism, commitment, and compassionate care for the mothers and new-borns of Eswatini,” said Nkosi in her statement released today.
She further said, in 2021, investing in universal access to quality midwifery care could save 4.3 million lives annually in the prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths.
Nkosi said millions of women each year, including Emaswati women, are able to exercise their right to sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning. These services help ensure wanted, healthy pregnancies and safe births.
“ Midwives, you are indeed our heroines and heroes, ushering new life into the world while protecting the health, well-being and lives of mothers and babies.
“ You journey with the women towards motherhood, ensuring healthy and safe outcomes for the mother and her newborn. Not only do your capable hands bring new life into the world, but you are also real CHAMPIONS of sexual and reproductive health and rights, providing voluntary contraception and other essential services,” she said in addition.
Worth noting is that this year’s theme, ‘Together again: from evidence to reality’ which is said to be relevant as it honors the efforts of midwives to action critical evidence produced, globally, regionally and locally towards meaningful change in the profession and in the lives of women and families
In conclusion, Nkosi said midwives form a majority of the Eswatini healthcare workforce and have significantly contributed to the improvements we see in maternal and newborn indicators in Eswatini. The Ministry of Health (MOH) acknowledges that midwives continue to play a major role in achieving universal health coverage.
