TEHRAN– One hundred thirty Iranian midwives, were honoured for their contribution to a safe delivery and healthy newborn in the ceremony marking the International Day of the Midwife, observed on 5 May.

A wide range of midwives and staff members from UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund and the government attended the event hosted by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During his speech, Dr. M. Hulki Uz, Representative of UNFPA, recognized the efforts made by the midwives, “Maternal mortality rate in Iran has decreased by more than 80 per cent between 1990 and 2008.” He commended the work of the midwifery program, a concerted effort of UNFPA and the Government in training a large number of skilled midwives, which allowed 96.4 per cent of deliveries to gain access to skilled care”.
Dr. Uz also emphasized UNFPA’s commitment to supporting midwives for the improvement of reproductive health and informed the participants about z joint program with the UN refugee agency to involve Afghan refugees in midwifery training.

“The midwife community contributed greatly to reducing maternal and infant mortality rate of the country, and any further progress will also require their support,” stated Dr. Tarighat Monfared, Minister of Health.
Dr. Emami Razavi, Curative Deputy Minister, paid tribute to the crucial role of midwives—in improving couples’ lifestyles; delivering physical trainings; monitoring pregnancy, delivery and the post delivery process; and monitoring and evaluating the current system.

Iran continues to promote midwifery activities, said Dr. Zaaferani, Advisor to the Minister of Health on Midwifery Affairs. During the past year eight medical universities established midwifery counselling courses, he reported.

“Every year, 294 women die from pregnancy or its complications,” noted Dr. Rakhshani, Health Deputy. “We should meticulously monitor pregnancy, delivery and post-delivery process to reduce this figure,” he said.