Welcome Address Delivered By Comrade Mrs. Imo Moses Etuk, 3rd National Vice President And Chairperson Of The NANNM Midwives’ Committee, At The 2024 International Midwife Day Celebration On May 6, 2024, At Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja.
Distinguished guests,
Esteemed colleagues,
Honoured midwives,
It is with great pleasure and profound respect that we gather here today to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife under the theme “Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution.” This year, as we shine a spotlight on the critical role of midwives in addressing climate change, we reaffirm our commitment to recognising and supporting their invaluable contributions to maternal and infant health and the sustainability of our planet.
Midwives are the unsung healthcare heroes, providing essential support and guidance to women and families during one of life’s most significant journeys – childbirth. With their expertise, compassion, and dedication, midwives ensure safe and dignified births, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates and promoting the well-being of mothers and babies worldwide.
But today, we also recognise that midwives are vital agents of change in the fight against climate change. As frontline healthcare providers, midwives witness firsthand the impact of environmental degradation on maternal and child health. From extreme weather events to food and water scarcity, climate change exacerbates existing health disparities and poses significant challenges to reproductive and maternal healthcare systems.
Amidst these challenges, midwives rise as beacons of resilience and sustainability. They champion innovative practices, advocating for and implementing environmentally friendly maternal and newborn care approaches. Their efforts in minimizing waste, conserving resources, and reducing carbon footprints improve health outcomes and contribute to preserving our planet for future generations.
Please permit me to use this excellent opportunity to reiterate the challenges midwives face in practice.
- Access to Continuous Education: Midwives face challenges accessing training and development opportunities to stay current with the latest practices and guidelines.
- Resource Allocation: Limited resources, including medical supplies, equipment, and facilities, hinder midwives’ ability to provide quality care in most hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas.
- Poor working condition
- Shortage of midwives
- Employment
- Poor road infractures leading to the remote
- Regulation and Oversight: Inconsistent regulation and oversight of midwifery practices result in varying quality of care and accountability issues.
- Data Collection and Research: Insufficient data collection and research initiatives focusing on Nigeria’s midwifery practices hinder evidence-based decision-making and improvements in care delivery.
Addressing these gaps would require concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and professional associations to strengthen midwifery practice and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
To all midwives, thank you for your tireless efforts, compassionate care, and invaluable contributions to building a healthier, more sustainable world for all.
As we commemorate the International Day of the Midwife, let us honour their commitment and recognise their indispensable role in advancing maternal and child health, promoting gender equality, and safeguarding the environment. Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and investing in midwifery education, training, and practice, ensuring every woman has access to the quality care she deserves while safeguarding our planet’s health.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives is developing The Green Birth Initiative project to promote environmentally sustainable practices within midwifery care, reduce carbon footprint, and support healthy, eco-friendly childbirth experiences. This initiative seeks to integrate sustainability principles into every aspect of maternity care to protect the health of both mothers and the planet.
Once we conclude the strategic plan, Government, Partners, and other stakeholders will be involved
Thank you.
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