Midwives Are The Backbone Of The Ministry Of Health: Dr Waqainabete
Midwives all around the country have been acknowledged for their exceptional work and effort in continuing to deliver services to all Fijians in both the best and in the toughest of times.
Speaking during the International Day of Midwifery Social Event yesterday Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said there was no doubt that midwives were the backbone of the Ministry.
Midwives from around the country marched from the Suva Flea Market to the UN Park in Victoria Parade yesterday to conclude the celebrations of Midwifery Day which was initially celebrated on May 5.
“You support women throughout their pregnancy, during the time of labour and during the time of their birth,” Dr Waqainabete said.
“You don’t only support them medically, you support them socially, mentally and in some instances, I have been told even when new mothers needed things that were not available with them in hospital, you have been able to support them.
“For this, I thank you!”
Dr Waqainabete said Doctors, midwives, nurses and all other medical professionals had a crucial role to play in the delivery of health services to all Fijians.
“On this day I acknowledge you and on behalf of the Prime Minister in Government for the work that you have done over the years, now and as we move forward.
“Just recently, a group of us, I was a co-author, published an article with the Pacific Reproductive Health Journal.
“We looked at low and middle income countries and how we could improve the quality of maternal care. I can also tell you that in this analysis we found that many low and middle income countries around the world except Fiji still rely on traditional birthing methods.
“For us it’s not anymore, because it’s men and women such as you who are doing that work.
“You have been trained and mentored by great mentors over the years, therefore that landscape has changed significantly.”
He added that according to WHO, approximately 27 million men and women make up the global nursing and midwifery workforce.
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