International Midwives Day
Introduction
International Midwives Day is an annual event celebrated globally on the 5th of May to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of midwives in the field of maternal and newborn health. Established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in 1991, this day is dedicated to acknowledging the dedication, skills, and selfless service that midwives offer to families and communities.
Background and Origins
The concept of International Midwives Day was first proposed in 1987 at the ICM’s International Congress in the Netherlands, with the aim of creating a day dedicated to celebrating the profession of midwifery. The ICM, founded in 1919, is an international organization representing midwifery associations from around the world. The official launch of International Midwives Day took place in 1991, and since then, the day has been celebrated annually in over 50 countries.
Importance of International Midwives Day
Raising awareness: International Midwives Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the significance of midwives in maternal and newborn health. It highlights the importance of their skills in providing culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and woman-centered care. As a result, this day helps educate the public on the need for professional midwifery services and their impact on positive birth outcomes.
Advocacy for quality care: By celebrating the role of midwives, International Midwives Day advocates for the improvement of the quality and accessibility of maternal and newborn healthcare services. This advocacy encourages governments, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions to invest in training, resources, and support for midwives, ultimately leading to better care for mothers and babies.
Professional recognition: International Midwives Day provides a platform for the recognition and appreciation of midwives’ work. This acknowledgement is essential to boost their professional morale, attract new talent to the field, and strengthen the global community of midwives.
Sharing knowledge and best practices: The celebration of International Midwives Day also serves as an opportunity for midwives to share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices with one another. By exchanging information and learning from each other, midwives can continue to improve their services, advancing the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns.
Building connections: International Midwives Day fosters connections between midwives, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities. These connections help create a collaborative environment in which midwives can work together with other stakeholders to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Conclusion
International Midwives Day is an essential event that not only celebrates the critical role of midwives in maternal and newborn health but also advocates for quality care and professional recognition. Established in 1991 by the International Confederation of Midwives, this annual celebration has continued to raise awareness and promote the significance of midwifery services worldwide. By recognizing the contributions of midwives and striving to improve their training, resources, and support, we can ensure that every mother and newborn receives the best care possible.