In a celebration of dedication and excellence, UNFPA The Gambia, in collaboration with the Gambia Ministry of Health, honoured five outstanding midwives at an awards ceremony marking International Day of the Midwife. The event, held at the Kanifing General Hospital, recognized the invaluable contributions of midwives to maternal and newborn health across the country.
The ceremony brought together health professionals, government officials, and community members to celebrate the role midwives play in ensuring safe births and promoting maternal health.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Minister of Health commended the midwives for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts.
“Today, we celebrate not just the profession of midwifery, but the individual midwives whose dedication and compassion save lives every day. Your work is fundamental to the health and well-being of mothers and babies in The Gambia.”
UNFPA The Gambia Representative, Ms. Ndeye Rose Sarr, highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting midwifery.
“Midwives are essential to achieving our goal of zero preventable maternal deaths. UNFPA is proud to support the Ministry of Health in recognizing the outstanding achievements of these midwives, who embody the spirit of service and excellence in maternal health care.”
The five awardees were selected for their exceptional service and impact in their communities. Each recipient received a trophy of recognition and a token of appreciation for their contributions. The awardees are:
- Rosaline Lily Mendy
- Malley Camara
- Sohna Jeng
- Ebrima Jallow
- Mariama Fofana
As part of the celebration, UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening midwifery services in The Gambia through continuous support for training programs, provision of essential resources, and advocacy for better working conditions for midwives.
The International Day of the Midwife serves as a reminder of the critical role midwives play in achieving global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals. As The Gambia continues to make strides in improving maternal and newborn health, the recognition and support of midwives remain central to these efforts.