Midwifery Association of Pakistan Start Celebrating International Day of Midwives with Minister Health Sindh.

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial
The International Day of Midwives (IDM) revitalized in Pakistan with Minister Health Sindh Dr. Azra Fazal inviting in her office the Midwifery Association of Pakistan President, Dr. Rafat Jan along with across the board colleagues for IDM Ceremony.



Before the ceremony started, Dr. Rafat thanked Minister Health for her encouragement and briefed Dr. Azra Fazal about International Confederation of Midwives (ICM 2025 year theme, “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis” underpinning midwives role in conflicts, floods and disasters where thousands of mothers are in need of midwifery help as well.



The Minister lauded the efforts of health providers in Sindh and beyond particularly the women’s workforce of midwifery and nursing which her government is spreading to village levels . She advised MAP president of revitalizing midwifery workforce with emergency skills should critical crises erupt in Pakistan. She said all health workers must equip themselves to combat worsening situations at our eastern borders. 

The high level delegation across Sindh and beyond professionals led by MAP President included Ms. Neha, Member International Confederation of Midwives(ICM) Renuka Swami of UNFPA ,Dr. Farhana Memon of Reproductive Matrnal and Nenatal & Child Health (RMNCH Director Nursing Ms. Najma Mangi,eminent scholar Ms.Aalia Nasir of Rufaida Hamdard-CON, DDNS Ms. Fakhrunissa Principals of Midwifery & Nursing Schools Ms. Rubina Shar of YNA Sindh, Ms.Samina Shabir & Ms.Kherunissa along with MAP’s central leadershipMs. Kiran , Ms. Gloria , Ms. Shaista,.



During the ceremony Dr.Jan shared her vision with Ms۔Neha Ms. Renuka of UNFPA, Dr. Farhana of RMNCH, Ms. Najma Mangi, Ms. Alia Nasir and Ms . Rubina Shar of YNA Sindh how to integrate Intel. Midwifery and Nursing Days with regional and global context.
It was agreed, therefore that MAP must align it self with ICM and that with local regional and global contexts echoing with the same its theme 2025” Midwives: critical in Every Crisis .”

 Thus is the ICM declaration:
 ”ICM stands with all midwives in the region and calls for an immediate end of conflicts. The rights and well-being of women, newborns, and children must be upheld under all circumstances. Families can only thrive during peace.”

ICM itself has echoed UNFPA report: According to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), ”there are more than 50,000 pregnant women only in Gaza currently, 5,500 of whom are expected to give birth in the next month”.
Let all nurses and midwifes across Pakistan echo the ICM statement and voice against wars and killing of health workers busy in high risk areas.

In conclusion, the International Day of Midwives celebration in Sindh was a resounding start highlighting the importance of midwifery and the need for continued support and recognition from governments and INGOs. 

 Tailpiece: As we move forward, let’s continue to celebrate the dedication and compassion of midwives, who are truly the unsung heroes of healthcare.  

#InternationalDayOfMidwives #MidwivesInCrisis #PakistanHealthcare #WomenInHealth #MaternalCare #UNFPA #ICM2025