Never too late to Honor Midwives 

26 June, Gaza, Palestine: “Honoring midwives is never too late” says Dr. May Abu Mughaiseb, project manager at UNFPA.  “Midwives should be celebrated not only in May on the International Day of the Midwives, but all year through, for their remarkable role that they play in the lives of mothers and their newborns”.

Therefore, UNFPA and the Ministry of Health (MoH) organized a series of recreational days end of June to celebrate Gazan midwives.  It was an opportunity to recognize and applaud the exceptional work of a group of 377 midwives who have been providing invaluable services especially during past and recent escalations in Gaza.

The 377 midwives came from all over the five governorates of the Gaza Strip, representing 28 primary health care centers, and five maternity units.  The recreational days provided the midwives with a well-deserved break from their duties, and an opportunity to connect with their colleagues from other governorates, share their triumphs and their experiences.

“Today is an important day for us” says Diya’s Abu Kweik, a midwife from Al Emirate Maternity Hospital  “It is a day dedicated  to our mental health, a very important factor for each one of us to be able to provide the necessary and the deserved treatment to mothers and their newborn babies” she continued.

“I thank UNFPA for this thoughtful gesture in organizing such a much-needed day that will reflect positively on us” says Imad al-Masri, a midwife and participant in the recreational days. 

A heartwarming celebration

Gazan midwives have so much in common, not least their love for their profession, their unwavering commitment and passion.  The fun day mixed with an unforgettable celebration was heartwarming and inspiring.  That day, they made new friendships and tapped each other with words and messages of encouragement.  Despite facing unimaginable challenges and often working for long hours, midwives are dedicated to their patients to ensure safe and healthy deliveries.

“Becoming a midwife makes me feel very special and very close to the mother and her newborn throughout her pregnancy.  I am an influencer in my own community” says Suha Ba’lousha, a midwife from Al Shifa maternity Hospital.

Retirees receive recognition 

The celebration also provided an opportunity to welcome and recognize the work of retired midwives.  These experienced professionals shared their valuable insights and wisdom from a long life of service, providing a source of inspiration for the next generation of midwives.

Overall, the recreational day was a perfect opportunity for midwives to recharge, refocus, and continue their invaluable work with renewed energy and commitment. It was a reminder of the importance of their role in society and the impact they have on the lives of mothers and infants. “The dedication and hard work of midwives should never be taken for granted, and we should all take a moment to appreciate their invaluable contribution to the world of healthcare” one of the midwives concluded.