The 5th of May was established in 1991 on the initiative of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) as World Midwives' Day. The aim of the celebration is to highlight the fundamental role of the midwife/midwife for the invaluable work they have to perform, as well as their contribution in midwifery care to mothers and their newborns worldwide.
This year's message chosen by the ICM (ICM) to celebrate the global celebration of Midwife/Midwife Day bears the title: "Together again: from evidence to reality"
The International Confederation of Midwives marks through this year's message the reunion of midwives worldwide, underlining the excitement of midwives who will finally be able to meet face to face after more than two years of isolation due to the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
The global midwifery community has progress to demonstrate in midwifery both individually by each midwife and collectively, the IOM notes. Growing evidence and data substantiate the need to invest in the midwifery profession as a key component of health care. In addition, they document respect, autonomy, working conditions for midwives and improved health outcomes for women and their families.
The year 2023 will undoubtedly bring to light important developments for both midwives and midwifery, according to IOM President, DrFrankaCadee, stressing that the necessary support and resources to cover the full spectrum of midwifery care must be ensured so that midwives can lead and bring about the necessary changes. As midwives and advocates for gender equality, points out ICM CEO, Dr SallyPairman, the celebration of International Midwives' Day will mean advancing midwives' collective demand for greater investment in the midwifery profession and midwives in general. The celebration of midwifery this year will be supported by the voices of women and their families who have received midwifery care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives worldwide faced increasing pressure and growing inequalities in the workplace. Their movement from midwifery services, to COVID-19 patient care facilities, further compounded the shortage of midwives and the essential role they had to play in close proximity to women/pregnant women/breastfeeding women. Nevertheless, this did not prevent them from continuing their work unhindered and tirelessly and using all their capabilities to address any problems.
The International Day of Midwives will once again highlight the philosophy of the midwifery approach which is based on the acceptance of pregnancy and childbirth as normal events, moving away from a doctor-centred approach and intervention. It has been documented that when an infant receives quality care by having a midwife by her side, the chances of a vaginal birth, of a positive postpartum experience, while reducing the chances of a premature birth are increased. Midwives support women's bodily autonomy, defend human and reproductive rights. Therefore, as the IOM concludes, we must invest in this model and the vital relationship between women and midwives to achieve a healthy future for all.
The Directorate of Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health congratulates and thanks all Midwives/Midwives for the work they do despite the challenges they face, always keeping in mind the continuous provision of quality care to the woman/pregnant woman/child and newborn. Undeniably, the role of midwives is close to women and newborns promoting the health and well-being of entire communities. It considers it imperative to invest in midwives and to adopt innovative actions in relation to the work of midwives. It supports the provision of outpatient care in the community by midwives/midwives, which is particularly important in order to avoid overloading health services.
Consequently, the Directorate of Nursing Services, in collaboration with all midwifery stakeholders, has proceeded with the planning and implementation of actions to develop "Community Midwifery" for the provision of midwifery services by a midwife/midwife within the General Health System, both in the public and private sector. This service is aimed at providing midwifery care and responding to the health needs of women and their families by a midwife/midwife, with proper communication and respect for the diversity, culture, values and beliefs of each woman. The modern challenges facing the health sector today, such as an increase in caesarean sections, ensuring continuous, integrated care for women, etc. make it necessary to create a "Community Midwifery" in today's society where the presence/services of the midwife prenatally and during the sergeant's period are completely absent from the Cyprus Health System. The empowerment of midwives through continuing education is one of the objectives of this service.
Health policy makers are urged to recognize the imperative for midwives/midwives to invest in the community and help make "Community Midwifery" a reality, which will lead to healthier families, more productive communities and a stronger health system.
(DK)
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