Celebrate with us this year’s International Day of the Midwife

By Judith Hope Kiconco

Globally, the International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is celebrated on the 5^th day of May every year. This is done as a way of acknowledging and appreciating the fundamental role that Midwives play in promoting the well-being of women, babies and their families.

The IDM also sets apart an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work of Midwives towards making the world a better place for women and their families. It is one of those few moments where you will find midwives everywhere at the peak of merriment.

Globally, different institutions, midwifery associations and individual midwives celebrate the day in different ways. A few years ago, while working as a nurse manager at one of the leading research institutions which employ quite a number of nurses and midwives in Uganda, I took it upon myself to ensure that Nurses and Midwives are celebrated and appreciated by the institution every year during the Nurses’ week which starts with the IDM on May 5^th and ends with the International Nurses Day on May 12th.

I remember advocating to have this as an annual event and until today, it’s one of those annual events that nurses and midwives look forward to each year. 

‘’…But as the trend has been, we go out, exchange gifts, get a guest speaker for inspiration, games and food’’ says Esther a research nurse when I probed for this year’s plans regarding the same.

For me, it is not only a moment of appreciation but also a time to break the monotony of routine work. This in many ways touches that pause button that usually offers a new start. It comes with lots of renewed energy which is good for both the caregiver and the other person on the receiving side.  

In Uganda, the IDM also provides another platform for midwives to give back to the communities. A number of community activities are carried out and all services provided are free. 

This year, one such community event was a blood donation drive that took place on April 29th 2023 at the down town in Kampala where 200 units of blood were collected.  

Other planned activities include community outreaches and school programs and a 2 days symposium where midwives will share evidence-based experiences through abstracts and other presentations. There will also be radio and TV talk shows which are both information-giving and advocacy stating the case for investment in the midwifery profession which has so far fallen short in many ways.

Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate the international day of the Midwife on 5^th May 2023 in Soroti City under the theme: ‘Together again: from evidence to reality’.

 The chief guest is expected to be the vice president of Uganda Hon Jesca Alupo. The national celebrations are also expected to be graced by other high dignitaries such as His Excellency the Ambassador of Sweden, Representative UNFPA, and officials from the Ministry of Health among others. 

Day in, day out, midwives at all levels work in different settings sometimes risking their lives to offer exceptional midwifery care to women and their families.

It’s my sincere hope and wish that midwives across the globe celebrate this special day in a relaxing way.

I would like to believe that each one of us knows that midwife who has either helped you or helped a friend or family member give birth to your child. Be sure to appreciate them this week.  A thank you card, A call to let them know you appreciate them, a shopping voucher, a gift hamper etc. will do the magic.  Just say it your way…. 

Appreciate and celebrate a midwife this International Day of the Midwife.

Judith Hope Kiconco is a trained Nurse-Midwife and Global Health Advocate