The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Babatunde Ahonsi, has encouraged the Ministry of Health to deploy more midwives to parts of the country with over-utilized staff, in order to ensure equity and scale up the operation of skilled attendance to delivery in every part of the country.
Dr Ahonsi made the call in a speech read on his behalf in Takoradi during the launch of the 2015 International Day of the Midwife on the theme, ‘Midwives for Better Tomorrow’. He emphasized the need for Ghana to ensure equitable distribution of midwives to all parts of the country to ensure access to professional midwifery services pregnant women.
Chairing the function, the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Dr Ebenezer Appiah Denkyira encouraged everyone to try and know their midwife just as they know their local political leaders.
The First Lady, Lordina Mahama, the guest of honour, commended all midwives in the country, and expressed particular gratitude to those working in the rural parts of the country. Mrs Mahama acknowledged their immense contribution to the progress made towards achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, and by the health sector as a whole.
She however expressed disappointment at the number of women who attend routine antenatal checkups, but do not give birth at health facilities. She encouraged families to utilize the health systems put in place, so as to save lives.
She added that efforts made by government to reduce maternal and infant mortality include investments in expanding some facilities in the health sector. She mentioned the construction of CHPS compounds and access to quality road networks as part of such efforts.
In all, six midwives who excelled at the 2014 licensure examination were awarded midwifery kits while practicing midwives from maternity homes and clinics that provided quality care in the year 2014 received certificates.
UNFPA joined the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Registered Midwives Association to mark the day. In attendance were the Western Regional Minister; Paul Evans Aidoo, Traditional Authorities, Students of midwifery training institutions, Midwives, the media and some observers.
