The national celebration of the International Day of Midwives was celebrated in the presence of the godmother of the event, First Lady Voahangy RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA, wife of the President of the Republic. The Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Willy RANDRIAMAROTIA and the UNFPA Representative in Madagascar, Mr. Mamadou DICKO, attended the celebration. On this occasion, midwives demonstrated at their level, reaffirming the importance of their profession in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. 

This year, the theme is "Woman and newborn: at the heart of midwifery." This day, celebrated in Diego from the 4th until the 6th of May, aims to highlight this profession often criticized but which saves lives of women and newborns. The celebration also attracts the attention of the media and decision-makers on the importance of midwifery in Madagascar. The midwife who is in the front line to save the life of the mother and baby before, during and after childbirth. 

"Promoting and investing in midwifery is one of the most profitable investments a country can make because it is about saving lives," said Mamadou DICKO, UNFPA Representative in Madagascar. 

For three days, the midwives conducted free consultations with their various partners; including antenatal clinics, diabetes screening, STIs and HIV, blood pressure, counselling, and family planning services. Midwives from the Diana region also received a capacity building session on new techniques related to the profession. 

In Madagascar, ten women die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth everyday. These tragedies could be avoided if decision-makers focus more on the profession of midwives because they play an important role in health education, not only for women but also for the family and the community. Midwives are available and attentive to surround, reassure and accompany women throughout pregnancy to deliver deliveries within the health facility. "Midwives have a key role in achieving sustainable development goals, including the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. I urge women to have at least four antenatal clinics and to give birth at the health facilities in the presence of qualified staff,” said Mrs. Voahangy RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA, wife of the President of the Republic during her speech. 

When they were trained in accordance with international standards and a fully functioning health system, midwives can provide about 90% of essential care for women and newborns and are able to reduce by two thirds the number of maternal deaths and neonatal. In Madagascar, the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine of Antananarivo, are implementing an action plan to enhance the profession of midwifery, notably by supporting the training institutes, the National Order (ONSFM) and the National Association (ANSFM) of Midwives. The mentoring system set in place since 2012 aims to accompany and guide young midwives on the field in strengthening their skills. UNFPA also supports the education system to bring the midwifery sector up to international standards.