KIGALI - SABA: An expanded meeting took place on Thursday in Kigali, Rwanda, featuring Dr. Sally Berman, Executive Director of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), Sabah al-Dhaferi, Chairman of the National Association of Yemeni Midwives, and representatives from member states in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The meeting, which included Dr. Farida Shah from the Executive Office of the Union for the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, and Professor Jacqueline Dunkley, Head of Midwives, focused on strategic priorities and proposed activities for the Regional Committee, discussing ways to enhance cooperation this year.
Participants highlighted the major challenges faced by the Regional Committee and member associations in countries such as Tunisia, Yemen, Palestine, Somalia, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
The participants explored strategies for improving the work environment, sharing knowledge and expertise, developing joint programs, and fostering collaboration among midwifery associations to enhance service delivery for mothers and children.
Sabah al-Dhaferi emphasized the pressing challenges within Yemen's midwifery profession, noting an urgent need for over 18,000 midwives. She expressed hope for support to bridge this gap and enhance education and training quality, aiming to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
Al-Dhaferi underscored the importance of aligning with the Regional Committee’s five strategic priorities, which focus on competency-based education, continuous professional development, and research promotion.
She called for establishing a robust regional network for midwives to facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Lieberman, the Executive Director of the Federation, stressed the necessity of strengthening the Regional Committee’s role in improving midwifery practice, education, and leadership.
She encouraged utilizing workshops at the ICM Regional Conference to build the capacities of national associations.
Dr. Shah acknowledged the vital role of midwifery associations as civil society organizations, advocating for increased support from partners and governments to invest in midwives. This investment is crucial for safeguarding the health of women and newborns while reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in the region.
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