UNFPA supports midwives & the International Day of the Midwife.Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA UNFPA United Nations Population Fund (formerly United Nations Fund for Population Activities)UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities (now United Nations Population Fund) Executive Director, sent a message in advance of the International Day of the Midwife MIDWIFE, med. jur. A woman who practices midwifery; a woman who pursues the business of an account. 2. A midwife is required to perform the business she undertakes with proper skill, and if she be guilty of any mala praxis, (q.v. : 'Every day, midwives are saving women's lives by making delivery safe. Their essential care before, during and after delivery ensures that no woman dies giving life. When women are healthy, families are healthy. And when families are healthy, the well-being of communities and nations also improves. '... UNFPA pays tribute to the work of midwives around the world and calls for increased investments to train and retain midwives where they are most needed. Together with partners, UNFPA is starting a new programme to promote midwifery midwifery (mĭd`wī'fərē), art of assisting at childbirth. The term midwife for centuries referred to a woman who was an overseer during the process of delivery. In ancient Greece and Rome, these women had some formal training. around the world. 'Every minute another woman dies in childbirth childbirth: see birth. Childbirth Childlessness (See BARRENNESS.) Artemis (Rom. Diana) goddess of childbirth. [Gk. Myth. . We can save these women by getting midwives in their communities. By investing in midwives, governments can achieve universal access to reproductive health Within the framework of WHO's definition of health[1] as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene and the fifth Millennium Development Goal, to improve maternal health Maternal health care is a concept that encompasses preconception, prenatal, and postnatal care. Goals of preconception care can include providing health promotion, screening and interventions for women of reproductive age to reduce risk factors that might affect future pregnancies. . 'There is an urgent need for 334 thousand midwives around the world. ... When they are properly trained, empowered and supported, midwives offer the most cost-effective and high-quality path to maternal and newborn health.... In places where these services are widely available, accessible and affordable, maternal and newborn deaths are declining and the well-being of families and communities is improved.... The work of midwives is an essential element of primary health care and helps strengthen health systems. '...UNFPA renews its support to achieving quality midwifery care as a way to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and build healthy families, communities and nations.' [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
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