Midwives unite with health fraternity against COVID-19
—As International day of the midwife is observed
DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 4, 2020
International Day of the Midwife is observed on May 5 of every year. Here in Guyana, the Midwives Association will be observing its tenth year, joining with the rest of the world in this profound observance.
While observances this year will be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives across the globe will take a moment to recognise their role in the fight against the virus.
During the Ministry of Public Health daily update, President of the Guyana Midwives Association, Maria Francois, noted that despite the shift in plans for this year’s local observation, there is much to recognise as all health professionals are upholding the dignity of their respective jobs.
Francois said for any years, midwives in Guyana have played a vital role in safeguarding the health of new-borns and mothers and more so now in these testing times.
“Amid this global pandemic, midwives have risen to this extraordinary challenge to support one another in the fight to protect mothers and babies. While the times are tough, we need to be reminded of the overwhelming solidarity that has emerged from the maternity units around Guyana.”
Further, she noted that the association has fostered international commitments through the United Nations Population Fund for midwifery empowerment. This is considered the key to stopping preventable maternal and new-born deaths.
She urged all midwives to continue serving with dignity and fulfilment.
“Let us continue to contribute to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially # 3 for Guyana. Mindful of our theme “Midwives with women: celebrate, demonstrate, mobilise, unite – our time is NOW! Let’s pool all our strengths, so that as a people, a country, we can curb ALL preventable deaths in Guyana, and ensure that mothers and their babies live to enjoy a fulfilled happy life.”
To date, midwifery support groups and regional focal points have been established in all ten administrative regions of Guyana.
The Association continues to capitalise on the opportunities provided every year through the observance of the International Day of the Midwife to publicly demonstrate their commitment to support midwifery care and services.