The 2022 International Day of the Midwife was officially launched in Techiman, Bono East Region, with a strong call for enhanced midwifery care across the country to improve sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health.
Bono East Regional Minister, Kwasi Adu-Gyan, emphasized the government’s commitment to investing significantly in the training of more midwives to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. He expressed concern over the gaps in Ghana’s maternal health care system and encouraged the Ghana Health Service to continue its efforts to provide better services, particularly in rural areas.
“The shortage of midwives, especially in rural regions, is a pressing issue. I urge the Ghana Health Service to keep up the good work and continue improving healthcare for women and children, particularly in underserved areas,” he stated. He also highlighted the rewarding nature of midwifery, noting that “helping bring new life into the world is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling jobs.”
The Minister also addressed the shortage of midwives at some Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in Bono East and other regions, and expressed hope that this year’s celebrations would provide midwives with the opportunity to reflect on their work and develop strategies for better service delivery.
Since its inception in 1992, International Midwives’ Day, observed every May 5, aims to honor the invaluable contributions of midwives and raise awareness of their critical role in supporting mothers and newborns. The day also serves as a reminder of the challenges midwives have faced and the risks they’ve taken to ensure families receive the best care possible.
This year’s theme, “100 Years of Progress, Transforming Midwifery Leadership in Ghana,” celebrates the progress made in the profession while emphasizing the need for continued leadership and innovation in midwifery.
