Let's Change The Narrative; Support Midwives In Ghana - Dr Kuma-Aboagye

“Midwives are exhausted from working in under resourced and poorly furnished health facilities in rural communities. For instances many of us continually live in one room facilities in remote communities with no light, potable water, personal hygiene facilities and reliable access to transport" a demand from one midwife.

Midwives nationwide are demanding for their voices to be heard as far as remuneration, accommodation, equipment and others are concerned.

Findings of a midwives' survey on “What do midwives want and need to better serve women in their care and for themselves as midwives” revealed some feedback from the midwives; some of which include:

1. Better conditions of service
2. Increase in salary.
3. Provision of Quality health care with appropriate technology and functional systems
4. Right equipment and adequate logistics for quality care
5. Free Accommodation
6. Professional international exchange programmes
7. Respect and harmony at workplace
8. Staff Motivation
10 Upgrade from diploma institutions to degree
11 Free scholarships
12 Early posting on completion of education
13 Respectful care
14 Safe work environment
15 Creche in all facilities
16 More clinical practice for students

This was made known at a press briefing on "midwives voices: midwives demand" advocacy agenda on Thursday at the UGMC Simulation Centre, University of Ghana-Legon.

Dr Jemima Dennis Antwi, President and CEO of CEHDAR speaking to Peacefmonline.com in an interview said the purpose of the programme was to let the voices of midwives be "heard, telling their own stories about their needs and for them to strategically plan as to how stakeholders can support to reach out and help them better equip themselves".

Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in a speech read on his behalf called "on you all to join hands to work with the health sector and the midwives to meet their needs. The Year 2030 is just 7 years away. We will be called to give account on Ghana. If we support our midwives, it is possible to change the narrative towards quality improvements resulting in a happy mother, happy family and a happy Ghana. Thanks to you all midwives and to the organisers for bringing our attention to these needs. Let’s work together to succeed.  Our midwives need all the support we can garner".