Source: All Africa
The Ministry of Health called on stakeholders to exert more efforts to achieve health sector Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing maternal and child mortality rate.
Speaking at the 24th General Assembly of Ethiopian Midwives Association with the theme: "Midwives: For A Transformed Ethiopia", State Minister Dr. Amir Aman said that the Ministry has been working together with midwives and has achieved the Millennium Development Goals ahead of time. "We are also able meet the MDG goal by encouraging pregnant women to give birth at health institutions and provide the necessary medical treatment so as to reduce maternal mortality," he added.
"But much remains to be done in reducing maternal and child mortality rate and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. For this to happen, the ministry has now prepared Health Sector Transformation Plan. But the plan by itself does not make a difference if it is not accompanied with strong commitment and support of midwifery and health extension workers."
Dr. Amir further said, "Over 12,000 mothers die annually while giving birth with about 23 infants dying in an hour. That is why, we need to work together. Besides, more dedication is expected from midwives in this regard. The ministry needs to work especially with midwives in four areas. First, they have to work for the transformation of Woredas, to strengthen health information system, to provide standardized, quality health service in an equitable manner as well as serving the public in an ethical manner. To realize this, we have to produce model midwives and give them recognition, he added.
Association President Aster Teshome on her part said that the government gives special consideration to provide quality and equitable health service for the public. Thus, investing in midwives helps to achieve the target set in GTP II. Midwives should be committed to provide quality service for pregnant mothers and create a brighter future for babies, mothers and families. The association has been working to raise professional competence and skills of midwives by providing institutional care. The association is also working to give recognition to the best performers, she said.