WINDHOEK, Namibia – More than 40 midwives gathered to celebrate International Day of the Midwife, hosted by the Independent Midwives Association of Namibia (IMANA), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Namibia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The event, held at the Klein Windhoek Hotel, honoured the significant contributions of midwives in ensuring the health and well-being of women and newborns.

Observed annually on 5 May, the International Day of the Midwife acknowledges the critical role midwives play in ensuring the health and well-being of women and newborns. This year's theme, "Midwives: A Vital Solution to Climate Change," highlighted the increasing importance of midwives in addressing the health challenges posed by climate change. Pregnant women and newborns are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changes in disease patterns, which can lead to adverse outcomes.

Over 94% of women in Namibia have access to antenatal care with a skilled provider, and over 80% of deliveries occur in facilities with a certified midwife.

Erika Goldson, the UNFPA Namibia Country Representative, emphasized the indispensable role midwives play in ensuring safe deliveries and saving lives in Namibia. "Over 94% of women in Namibia have access to antenatal care with a skilled provider, and over 80% of deliveries occur in facilities with a certified midwife," Goldson stated, highlighting the importance of midwives in maternal care. 

She also drew attention to the global shortage of approximately one million midwives, attributing it to challenging working conditions and gender discrimination, which result in low wages and limited career advancement.  Goldson referenced the State of the World’s Midwifery report 2022, which found that investing in universal access to quality midwifery care in the region could annually save 1.2 million lives by 2035, particularly in preventing maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths.

We need participatory health education across health sectors and collaboration within multi-disciplinary workforces.

Dr. Cornelius Weyulu, Registrar of the Health Professions Councils of Namibia, stressed the need for health professionals to adapt to the changing world and collaborate across all health professions to address environmental health risks to patients. "We need participatory health education across health sectors and collaboration within multi-disciplinary workforces," Dr. Weyulu said.

Ms. Sylvia Hamata, President of IMANA, called for multidisciplinary research and collaboration to address the impacts of climate change on maternal and newborn health. She also urged advocates to address the historical marginalisation of midwives and invest in their training and support.

Fourth-year midwifery students at the International University of Management, Ms. Mellis Khupe and Ms. Julia Paulus, shared their experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of constant learning opportunities for midwives within the profession.The midwives also had an opportunity to share abstracts related to various topics such as climate change adaptation, equity in healthcare, family planning, and pain relief methods during pregnancy. This was part of exchanging ideas and learning from one another.

“It was truly an inspiring and humbling experience that we were grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of,” said Khupe.