Government has been asked to address staffing challenges and provide enough equipment and supplies in hospitals across the country.
The call was made on Thursday, when Midwives in the country joined the rest of the World in commemorating the International Day of the Midwife. The commemoration took place in Kasungu at Santhe Primary School Ground, and Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda graced the occasion.
Speaking during the ceremony, Association of Malawian Midwives (AMAMI) President Keith Lipato said Midwives are very important as they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of women and babies during birthing process.
Lipato said, Midwives in Malawi are also vital as they have contributed to the reduction of maternal deaths.
“If you look at maternal mortality rate, 10 years ago we were above 1000 deaths on every 100,000 live births, but now we are at 439 deaths on every 100, 000 live births, so Yes. Viva midwives, there is a lot that we are doing” said Lipato.
However, Lipato expressed concern over shortage of midwives in country’s health centers and hospitals. He gave an instance of Santhe Health Center in Kasungu which is operating with only one midwife.
He then asked government to employ more midwives, “there are more Midwives out there, who are well trained and licensed but they are not working, employ them because it is not possible for one Midwife to be assisting 20 women at once”. Said Lipato.
Concurring with Lipato, is Dorothy Nyasulu, Assistant Representative for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) who said Midwives should be trained and provided with necessary equipment for Malawi to achieve zero maternal
Responding to the concerns, Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponda said her ministry has taken note of the concerns and will act accordingly.
According to Chiponda, indeed there is need to employ more midwives and provide them with necessary equipment for them to work effectively.
While commending the midwives for the good job they are doing, Chiponda also cautioned other midwives who lack respect when assisting clients.
“Some midwives do not have respect for the clients, some talk to clients in a rude manner. We also have reports of some even attending to their WhatsApp, Facebook while a client is calling for help, this is not good. I urge you Veteran midwives to be talking to the young midwives, share with them your experiences on how to treat a client. Again, some are not dressing properly, advise them to change. This is a noble job and must be respected at all cost”. Said Chiponda.
Agreeing with Chiponda, Veteran Midwife Lennie Kamwendo urged the Midwives to continue providing services to newborn, pregnant women and their families in a way that reflects that they went to school to be educated as Midwives.
She said, “They should provide that care with respect because in college we teach them to be respectful. Respectful maternity care must not be affected by shortage of staff or renumeration, because when women come to seek healthcare, they come to experts. They are not responsible for our salary payment”.
