Spotlight On Midwives Role In Maternal And Newborn Health

Monday marks International Day of the Midwife. The day is celebrated to highlight the role midwives play in humanitarian and emergency settings around the world.

However, a midwife working at Mhlava Wellem Clinic outside Giyani in Limpopo says poor infrastructure makes it difficult for them to perform their duties to full capacity.

According to the World Health Organisation WHO a midwife is a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professional who provides comprehensive care to childbearing women and newborn infants. The care includes prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum support, as well as newborn care.

Florance Chauke has been a midwife for the past 30 years, working at Mhlava Wellem Clinic.

Chauke says for midwives to adequately respond to patients and save lives, they must be equipped with enough resources.