USAID

Twenty-six new midwives graduated from the Community Midwifery Education program in Sheberghan City, Jawzjan, on January 16.

The USAID-funded program was praised for helping to save lives and improve the quality of medical care for women, in addition to their status in society.  In addition, the students produced a play, highlighting the key role that midwives play in providing care for women before, during and after the delivery by teaching about conception, birthspacing, and breastfeeding.

Midwifery education is an effort to increase women’s access to health services, by increasing the number of trained midwives.  Afghan midwives are not only helping to save the lives of women and children every day, but also improving the status of women in their communities. 

The presence of a skilled provider at birth is a key factor in reducing the risk of maternal death.  In line with Millennium Development Goal to reduce maternal mortality by 75% by 2014, the Ministry of Public Health is committed to reducing high levels of maternal and newborn mortality by increasing the number of trained and skilled midwives at birth, particularly in remote and rural areas of Afghanistan.

The Line Director of Haji and Religious Affairs praised the 24-month program for helping to save lives and improve the quality of medical care for women, in addition to elevating their status in society.

Two US representatives attended the graduation:  USAID’s Senior Development Officer for the north, John Seong, and RC-North Senior Civilian Representative Keith Mines.

Other speakers included: Deputy Governor of Jawzjan, the Public Health line director, Hospital Director, and Save The Children.

USAID provides grants and technical assistance to midwifery education programs in 13 provinces of Afghanistan.  More than 1,800 midwives have been trained since 2003, through USAID assistance, representing approximately half of all midwives currently in the country. 

2013 01 16 Press Release CME graduation Jawzjan (English)