Midwives across the country have been commended for the work they do, especially as they carry out their duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Midwives Association of Guyana President Maria Francois
Today, Guyana joins the world in celebrating International Day of the Midwife, and giving recognition to the work of these healthcare professionals.
This year, this day is celebrated under the theme: “Midwives with women: celebrate, demonstrate, mobilise, unite – our time is now!”.
President of the Midwives Association of Guyana, Maria Francois on Monday recognised that midwifery support groups have been established in all 10 administrative regions across the country. She said this day creates an avenue for the entire fraternity to recommit themselves to the profession.
“The Association continues to capitalise on the opportunities provided every year through the observance of the International Day of the Midwife for us to publicly demonstrate our commitment to support midwifery care and services, and to help to focus policyholders on the need to support us in our quest to provide quality care and services.”
Francois, who is attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, stated that their aim continues to circle around stopping preventable maternal and newborn deaths. However, this year, they have been met with another key factor; carrying out their duties effectively despite a global epidemic.
“The year 2020 is dedicated to nurses and midwives underscoring the invaluable care that we provide. As we unite with other health professionals in the fight against COVID-19, we must recognise the important role that we have to play. In the midst of this global pandemic, midwives have risen to this extraordinary challenge to support one another in the fight to protect mothers and babies. While the times are tough, we need to be reminded of the overwhelming solidarity that has emerged from the maternity units around Guyana. The consistent members of staff are pulling all efforts to provide excellent care,” the Association’s President affirmed.
Meanwhile, caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence stated that midwives are being celebrated for their efforts in traversing the different areas in Guyana to ensure that patients are being tended to. Now, they also play a key role in detecting suspected COVID-19 patients.
“Even as we battle COVID-19, our midwives are part of the team in our communities helping to trace our case contacts – demonstrating that they are strong and brave and that their care extends beyond midwifery to the general health and wellbeing of all people. Worthy of note is the fact that midwives have a special role to play in the antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care of women who may be suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19,” she said in the address.
According to Lawrence, investment in midwifery is an advantageous endeavour and will ensure complete coverage of healthcare services.
“I am cognisant of the fact that achieving “health for all” will depend on there being sufficient numbers of well-trained and educated, regulated and well-supported nurses and midwives, who receive pay and recognition commensurate with the services and quality of care that they provide.”
