The State of the World Midwifery Report indicated that when midwives are well trained, they are properly equipped and supported. And if all women deliver with a midwife in a fully functioning BEmONC (basic emergency obstetrics and neonatal cares) facility, there will be a reduction of 61% of maternal deaths, 49% of fetal deaths, and 60% of new born deaths, which equates to as many as 3.6 million lives saved in 2015 (The State of the World’s Midwifery Report 2011).
As per the current data, the maternal mortality ration in Rwanda stands at 210 per 100,000 live birth ( DHS 2015) whereas the target is to reach 70 per 100,000 live birth by 2030 ( SDGs 2015). The achievement of this goal will rely on strong commitment and partnership of various stakeholders including development partners, civil society organization, academic institutions and UN agencies just to mention a few.
It is in this perspective that UNFPA committed to support midwifery program in Rwanda through technical and financial assistance to strengthen midwifery Education, Association, Regulation and Advocacy with the aim of improving midwifery services and contribute to the reduction of maternal and new born mortality and morbidity.
As part of this support, UNFPA Rwanda will hand over a donation of materials and anatomical models to be used in skills and simulation lab.
Objectives of the ceremony is to hand over materials and anatomical model procured to Strengthening collaboration between UNFPA, UR and other midwifery schools and raising UNFPA visibility said UNFPA Deputy Representative Daniel Alemu.
Representatives from midwifery institutions UR, Kibogora school, Byumba Campus, Kibungo Campus, Nyagatare Campus, Ruli school, Kabgayi school, Rwamagana school and Nyarugenge school appreciate the commitment support by UNFPA towards improving health status of the population with a particular focus on maternal health.
The donation is one of the items provided under the Global Programme to enhance Reproductive Health Commodity Security, currently known as UNFPA supplies.