Bohra Developers joins hands with MAP to spreading awareness of midwifery in Pakistan

Midwives are the true defenders of women’s rights. They are the real crusaders in the fight against infant mortality and issues faced by women during childbirth. Unfortunately in Pakistan, the current infant mortality rate stands at 74 deaths per thousand and midwives are overlooked by governments and health bodies.

The Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP), the flagbearer of midwives’ rights in Pakistan is determined to spread awareness and provide them with the best possible facilities. This effort culminated in the organization of the Regional Midwifery Summit, a conference held from October 9 to 10 at a local hotel in Karachi. Midwives from Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan traveled in droves to have their voices heard.

Dr. Arusa Lakhani, president of the MAP kicked off the summit urging midwives to come forward, work hard and play their due role with competency. 

Dr. Nighat Shah expressed concern over the increasing cases of C-section and failure of family planning efforts in Pakistan and held doctors responsible for this situation.

The conference was attended by delegates from other countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Each delegate took the stage to share their stories in the fight against infant mortality.

Dr. Farah Babaey, the delegate from Iran claimed that Iran was the first Asian nation to meet the target of reducing maternal mortality ratio, the fifth goal of the Millenium Development Goals issued by the United Nations, which drew loud cheers from the crowd. Dr. Shiela Suguru, representing Ireland said the relevant law for midwives was passed in her country in 1918 and over the last 100 years midwives had proved that progress on maternal death was not possible without their support. She described midwives as the gatekeepers of birth.

Dr. Esra Yoruk from Turkey stated the current IMR in Turkey stood at 15 per thousand in 2011, an improvement from 229 in 1952.

Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho was the chief guest of the summit. 

The summit concluded with a joint declaration to improve maternal health, reduce the rate of C-section surgeries and create mass awareness about family planning in Saarc and regional countries.

As one of our proud clients, BohraDevelopers was tasked to harness the power of social media to provide coverage of this event on its social media channels. The company closely collaborated with members of MAP and deployed their representatives on the ground to cover the event from every angle.