International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) supports International Day of the Midwife 2016

LONDON, 10-May-2016 — /EuropaWire/ —Statement from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) on the International Day of the Midwife 2016.

FIGO is the only organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologists on a global basis, with Member Societies in 130 countries/territories.

It believes that the International Day of the Midwife’s 2016 theme – ‘Women and Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery’ – perfectly encapsulates the true focus of midwifery: the unique, strong and – in many cases – life-saving bond between midwives and the women and newborns under their care.

In addition to providing support before, during and after birth, midwives offer invaluable general guidance on reproductive health matters, family planning, immunisations, breastfeeding and newborn care. They may also refer women and newborns for higher level treatment if needed.

It is essential for midwives to receive highly skilled training – this ensures that they can provide the very best quality care for mothers and babies. Countries must therefore increase investment in their education and training.

The new Sustainable Development Goal No 3: ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’, incorporates important subgoals which include reducing global maternal mortality and ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age. Midwives can help to achieve these goals – working collaboratively with obstetricians, gynecologists and other healthcare professionals – by putting the highest quality care of women and newborns at the heart of their work.

Sources/resources:
• http://internationalmidwives.org/events/idotm/idm2016/
• http://www.who.int/topics/midwifery/en/
• http://www.unfpa.org/sowmy