Advancing Midwifery in Africa: A Call to Action for African Midwives
The role of midwives in supporting women and newborns cannot be overstated, especially in Africa, where maternal and neonatal health challenges abound. Midwives are at the forefront of providing essential care and support, often in the most resource-limited settings, including humanitarian contexts where their skills are crucial. To further advance midwifery and improve health outcomes across the continent, a new survey, created in collaboration with ICM’s Africa Regional Professional Committee, is being conducted to assess the landscape of midwifery-focused research in the Africa region. This initiative is not just a survey—it’s a crucial step toward building stronger networks and enhancing collaboration among midwives and researchers dedicated to improving maternal and newborn health across Africa. .
Why This Survey Matters
The survey aims to gather data on the landscape of midwifery-focused research in Africa, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced by midwifery researchers. By participating, midwives will contribute valuable insights that will shape the future of midwifery research in the region. This is an opportunity to ensure that the voices and experiences of African midwives are represented in global discussions on maternal and newborn health. The data collected will be instrumental in identifying or establishing midwifery research networks, gaps in knowledge, challenges experienced, and opportunities for growth, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for mothers and babies across the region.
Building Stronger Research Networks
In addition to mapping regional midwifery research, this initiative seeks to establish two new networks that will play a pivotal role in advancing the field. The first “research interest” network is designed to bring together midwives who are interested in developing their research capacity so that they are able to ask research questions and find answers to issues affecting all aspects of Midwifery practice. This network will serve as a platform for sharing and enhancing knowledge and research skills, for the benefit of mothers, families and midwives across Africa.
The second network focuses on academic research collaboration. This network will connect midwives and researchers who are passionate about conducting and disseminating high-quality research on midwifery and maternal health, with an emphasis on the challenges and needs specific to Africa. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions and practicing midwives, this network will help bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that evidence-based practices are implemented in communities where they are needed most. This network will also be able to serve as a resource for capacity development for the research interest network.
Both networks will provide midwives with opportunities to engage in professional development, contribute to research, and collaborate with peers and experts from across the region. These networks will be invaluable resources for midwives seeking to advance their careers, improve their practice, and make a lasting impact on maternal and newborn health in Africa.
Your Participation is Vital
The success of this initiative depends on the active participation of midwives across the Africa region. By completing the survey, you will be contributing to future research, policy, and building the evidence base for midwifery. Your insights and experiences are essential to ensuring that the challenges and needs of African midwives are accurately represented and addressed.
Moreover, participating in the survey is a unique opportunity to be part of a larger movement to elevate the status of midwifery in Africa. By contributing your voice, you are helping to shape the future of midwifery research in your community and across the region.
How to Participate
The survey, developed in collaboration with ICM’s Africa Regional Professional Committee, is currently open and will remain accessible until after the Africa Regional Conference in Kigali on September 27th. We encourage all midwives in Africa to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it with your colleagues. Your participation is valuable for the advancement of midwifery research in Africa.
To access the survey, please visit the following link.
Looking Ahead
The preliminary findings from this survey will be shared during the Africa and Eastern Mediterranean Regional Conference in Kigali, where midwives, midwifery associations, researchers, and policymakers will gather to progress midwifery focused research initiatives. The regional conference will be an excellent opportunity to learn from experts, network with other professionals, and explore ways to further advance the field of midwifery in Africa.
In conclusion, we urge all Africa-based midwives to participate in this survey and join us in this important initiative. Your contributions will help to create a brighter future for midwifery in Africa, where every mother and baby has access to the highest standard of care. Let’s work together to ensure that midwifery continues to be a driving force for positive change in our communities.
Together, we can gather insights, share knowledge, and use data to drive change for a healthier Africa.
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