Maprik health officials celebrate day, pay tribute to midwives

MAPRIK district in East Sepik celebrated International Midwives Day yesterday with the aim to educate the public on the importance of maternal healthcare during and after pregnancy.
Midwives Day is celebrated on May 5 every year to pay tribute to midwives all over the world for the work they do and increase awareness on the importance of maternal healthcare.
The event saw midwives and nurses joined by school children, police officers and the general public starting with a 30-minute walk from the hospital and around town.
Head midwife Rhondy K’tumasi said the day was a memorable one as it was important that awareness was carried out.
K’tumasi said Maprik Hospital served as a centre point for many rural areas in almost seven districts which made it a worthy act on their part.
She said that it was imperative that the public be aware of the importance of procedures and cause of action to be taken during, before and after pregnancy to prevent infant and maternal mortality.
“Transportation and other issues make it difficult for pregnant women from rural areas to attend ante-natal clinic, causing a lot of infant mortality.
wOne major concern is mothers with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) which are not diagnosed and treated early, leading to difficulties in childbirth and still births,” K’tumasi said.