Lesotho to commemorate International Midwifery Day

Lesotho will commemorate International Midwifery Day this Friday at Nazareth Health Centre.

The event will be led by the Independent Midwives Association in collaboration with key stakeholders. 

Every year on May 5, the world marks International Midwifery Day to honour the indispensable role midwives play in advancing the health and well-being of women, new-borns, and families.

Midwives are also honoured for their contribution towards the health of their nations.

According to a statement issued by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the event will begin with a healthy fun walk, followed by speeches by dignitaries and community members, and an award ceremony honouring outstanding midwives.

This year, the global commemoration takes place under the theme: “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis” — recognising the frontline role midwives play in responding to emergencies and safeguarding lives, particularly in times of crisis.

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, says that women in crisis settings are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth due to limited access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, dramatically increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.

“Moreover, midwives are often the first, and sometimes the only, healthcare providers available to deliver life-saving care to women and newborns during crises, whether triggered by natural disasters or conflict. 

“They reach pregnant women in the most remote and high-risk areas, ensuring safe births even in the most challenging conditions,” the statement read.

The human rights group further said, in addition, deploying midwives is among the most effective ways to prevent maternal and newborn deaths, ensure access to sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, which increases during crises.

UNFPA collaborates closely with the Government of Lesotho to strengthen midwifery education as part of broader efforts to reduce the country’s high maternal mortality ratio, currently 530 deaths per 100,000 live births. 

By expanding access to skilled birth attendants and essential sexual and reproductive health services, UNFPA aims to ensure safer pregnancies and childbirth for all women.