Tehran – Syed Jaffar Hussain, president of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the midwife’s commitment to providing caring and skilled care as the basis of the healthcare system.
Their unwavering dedication and valuable contributions to maternal and neonatal health ensure safe childbirth and promote the well-being of mothers and infants across the country, Hussein noted.
Officials made their remarks on the occasion of International Midwifery Day held on May 6th this year.
The momentum and theme of World Health Day 2025, a healthy beginning, a hopeful future, a celebration of greater awareness and investment in midwives, and key figures that enable healthy beginnings, the Who website announced in a press release on May 8th.
The event was attended by Iranian midwives who work in a variety of fields, including health services, as healthcare providers, managers and academic members.
The memorial began with a series of speeches by prominent figures, including Deputy Minister of Public Health, Deputy Minister Alileza Reisi, Deputy Minister of Treatment, Sajad Razabi, and Alileza Aspali, Department of Hospital Management and Clinical Excellence.
Working on the event, Hussein detailed the diverse roles of midwives as a gatekeeper for a primary healthcare facility known as Moraghebe-Salamat and as an integral member of the family practice team.
He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of midwives in the face of challenges, their ability to provide comfort and support, and their role in empowering women.
Officials continued to praise policymakers’ commitment to using midwives’ power to protect the health of everyone.
Midwives of recipients who work in various states and universities of medical science received a thank-you note during the ceremony.
UNFPA praises Iran’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates
Representatives from Iran’s UN Population Fund (UNFPA) praised the country’s healthcare system measures to reduce mortality rates by 63%, ranging from 43 deaths per 1,000 births in 2000 to 16 deaths in 2023.
“Indeed, this great achievement is largely due to Iran’s primary health care network, incorporating prenatal and postnatal care into the system, providing services provided by nurse aides, health professionals and midwives.”
Officials made their remarks on Tuesday during the midwife’s international day, which is observed annually on May 5th.
Midwives play an important role in realizing access to quality health services for women as a human right. They play an important role in promoting maternal and neonatal well-being, and contribute to a significant reduction in deaths from preventable causes during and after pregnancy, Seitrieva noted.
“Even with progress, the situation remains important in some regions due to the inequality that women are at risk of losing their lives twice or even more due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth. The same applies to Iran.
Emphasizing that inadequate care for half of maternal deaths is explained, Seitrieva said UNPDA will continue to be supported in implementing policies aimed at improving maternal health, maternity services and reducing maternal mortality.
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