Tuléar, Tuesday, May 5, 2015 - The International Day of Midwives was celebrated this morning in Tuléar in the presence of the godmother of the event, the First Lady, Mrs. 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 Representative of UNFPA in Madagascar, Mr Mamadou DICKO attended the celebration. On this occasion, the midwives of the 22 regions demonstrated at their level to reaffirm the importance of their profession in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. This year, the theme is "Midwives: for a better future." This day, celebrated in Toliara from 04 to 08 May, aims to highlight this profession, which is often the object of criticism but which saves the lives of women and newborns. The celebration also attracts the attention of the media and decision-makers on the importance of midwifery in Madagascar. UNFPA took this opportunity to provide 100 pregnant women with dignity kits and individual delivery kits. The CSB of Mahavatse first and Mangily have received medical equipment and consumables for their delivery performance by skilled attendants. In addition, the Telma Foundation sent an SMS to all its subscribers, which is in line with the fight against maternal mortality.

For several days, midwives will conduct awareness-raising sessions with young people on STIs, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy free prenatal and family planning clinics. The present midwives will receive a postgraduate course on the management of obstetric complications occurring before, during or after childbirth. 

In Madagascar, ten women die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth every day. 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, accompany women throughout pregnancy to deliver births within the health facility. 

"The Malagasy Government prioritizes maternal and neonatal health in order to achieve sustainable development goals, including family planning," said Dr. Willy RANDRIAMAROTIA, Representing the Minister of Public Health. At the ceremony, the National Order and the Association of Midwives of Madagascar launched the report on the state of midwifery practice in the world in 2014. This report, published by UNFPA, in conjunction with the International Confederation of Midwives ( ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and their partners, reveals that 73 countries where their services are most needed have an inadequate number of midwives. This report provides information on the range, deployment, environment and development of midwifery personnel in relation to future needs and is thus an advocacy tool for strengthening human resources. The report recommends that strategies be put in place to address these shortcomings and save millions of lives. In particular, it encourages countries to invest in midwifery education and training. 

"Promoting and investing in the midwifery profession is one of the most cost-effective investments a country can make, will benefit the health of families, communities and the development of the nation," said Mr. Mamadou DICKO, UNFPA Representative in Madagascar. 

When they were trained in accordance with international standards and in the framework of a midwives can provide about 90% of essential care for women and newborns and are able to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by two thirds. In Madagascar, the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine of Antananarivo, is 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 introduced in 2012 to support and guide young midwives in strengthening their skills continues in 5 regions. In 2014, UNFPA provided support to the education system to bring the midwifery sector up to international standards.