Invest in Midwives: they save lives – Butler

On the International Day of the Midwife, the UNFPA renewed their commitment to working with their partners across the Pacific to strengthen midwifery skills and capacities.

Director and Representative of UNFPA Pacific Dr. Jennifer Butler says midwives save lives and provide care to every pregnant woman who deserves a safe delivery, even if she is living through a humanitarian crisis.

Dr Butler says the significant investments in midwifery are essential to achieve zero preventable maternal mortality and newborn deaths.

Karaliani Nagale Macanawai and Timaleti Moceivei are the two retired but currently licensed and registered Fijian midwives who are part of the 12 retired midwives deployed by UNFPA Pacific.

In March this year, Karalaini and Timaleti saved the life of a young mother while safely delivering a baby in an emergency with the help of their other colleagues at the Lekutu Health Centre in Bua.

Karalaini and Timaleti have worked with the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services for several years.

Karalaini stresses that the UNFPA Pacific has assisted her in scaling up skills and knowledge of nursing and midwifery.

Dr Butler says the Pacific needs more midwives like Karalaini and Timaleti.

She says communities in the areas worst hit by TC Yasa and Ana, particularly women and girls, have been benefitting from services provided by the Women Friendly Spaces.

The UNFPA applauds the retired midwives generally who have had to work in challenging circumstances, geographical or otherwise, sacrificing time with their families to ensure a good beginning for newborns and their parents.