Midwives hold the key to Bangladesh’s health strategy, says UNFPA

UNFPA Bangladesh Deputy Representative Iori Kato has said midwives hold the “key” to the government’s health strategy success because they can avert around two-thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 28 May 2018, 06:46 PM
Updated : 28 May 2018, 06:46 PM

He said the roles that “midwives can and should play in the health system are essential in ensuring equity in health care services for all women and girls”.

This is because, in his words, they provide a range of sexual and reproductive health care, including family planning, maternity care, newborn care, sexually transmitted infection and cervical cancer screenings, adolescent-friendly services, and gender-based violence prevention and response.

The UNFPA official spoke at a ‘Safe Motherhood Day 2018’ event in Dhaka on Monday. The day was observed with the theme on “Ensure Midwives’ Presence, End Maternal Deaths”.

State Minister for Health Zahid Maleque was present.

The UNFPA supports the government for establishing midwifery as a profession. On Monday, it renewed its commitment to continue support the government.

Toma Roy, a midwife student, said she feels “profoundly” proud of her profession as she learns to provide comprehensive midwifery care in Bangladesh.

“I get to experience the gratitude and joy from the smiles of the mothers we assist during delivery.”

Bangladesh has halved the maternal deaths in the last two decades. Still, between 5,000 and 6,000 women and girls die every year from preventable pregnancy-related causes.

The state minister said midwives are “very crucial” for the wellbeing of mothers.

“We see around the world that they play a pivotal role in reducing maternal and newborn mortality. We as a country have realised this importance, and committed to the profession to address the challenges in providing comprehensive maternal and newborn services,” Maleque said.

“To reach our SDG goals, we need to improve our services in the facilities such as equipping midwives all over the country.”

The UNFPA estimates Bangladesh will need over 20,000 midwives to address the increasing number of cesarean births.

Kato, the deputy chief, said maternal mortality and morbidity can be “drastically reduced by improving women's access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including emergency obstetric care, skilled birth attendance by professional midwives, and family planning methods”.

According to him, midwives are the “true heroines” that have brought life-saving health services to women and girls, particularly to the most vulnerable, promoting gender equality and ensuring no one is left behind.

“They are indeed the drivers who are helping the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5 in Bangladesh.”