18th May 2023; International Day of Midwife 2023
18th May 2023; International Day of Midwife 2023 Theme: Strengthening the Midwifery Profession in Pakistan Together Again: from Evidence to Reality Venue: Zahid Malik Auditorium, Awan-e-Quaid, Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad, Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C) in Collaboration with Health Services Academy, and UNFPA Pakistan, organized an event on May 18, 2023, in Islamabad to mark the International Day of Midwife 2023. The event was chaired by Dr. Sabina Imran Durrani, Director General (Population), M/o NHSR&C, and attended by the representatives of the UN agencies, WHO, INGOs, NGOs, partner organizations & health & population professionals. The UNFPA Representative (Ms. Latika Pradhan), Executive Member (KPK) MAP (Mrs. Nasreen Ghani), Registrar PNMC (Ms. Fauzia Mushtaq), and HSA Representative (Dr. Mariyam Sarfraz) discussed relevant topics related to the theme of the International Day of Midwife 2023 which was ‘Strengthening the Midwifery Profession in Pakistan Together Again: from Evidence to Reality’. Dr. Sabina Imran Durrani, Director General Population, M/o NHSR&C, welcomed the event participants and shared her thoughts on the importance of primary healthcare, how Pakistani midwives should be represented at the international forums and the projects/activities to achieve the desired SDG goals and targets should be implemented and achieved in months. Ms. Latika Pradhan, UNFPA Representative, talked about the various issues pertaining to maternal and child healthcare and highlighted the importance of the midwives’ roles and how they can step up and play a vital role in the community. She also recognized the outstanding work of the midwives in the country and their contribution to saving lives. Ms. Fauzia Mushtaq, Registrar Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) shared the achievements and challenges in midwifery education, regulation, and practices. Mrs. Nasreen Ghani, Executive Member (KPK) of the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP) shared some insights on the strengthening of Midwifery Education and Practices and the role of MAP in the whole process. Dr. Mariyam Sarfraz, a Representative of the Health Services Academy, talked about looking for opportunities and using different forums and platforms by midwives to propagate success stories all around the country. Dr. Sabina Imran Durrani, Director General Population, M/o NHSR&C concluded the event with a vote of thanks to the participants and ensured full cooperation at all levels to achieve the SDG targets.