United States Consul General Michael Dodman attends Midwifery Conference

Karachi, May 07, 2014 (PPI-OT): U.S. Consul General Michael Dodman attended the concluding ceremony of a National Midwifery Conference organized by the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP).

The three-day Conference launched on May 5 to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife, in collaboration with MCHIP/Jhpiego – implementing partners of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), along with International Pregnancy Advisory Services (IPAS) and the Government of Sindh Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) Program.

The Regional Director for USAID in Sindh and Balochistan, Mr. Leon S. Waskin attended the opening ceremony on Monday and highlighted the importance of proper training for midwives.

Speaking to the assembled midwives at Wednesday’s concluding session, Mr. Dodman said, “The United States is committed to improving maternal-child health in Pakistan. We are proud to support this great conference which recognized and built on your efforts to ensure Pakistan’s next generation is born healthy and happy. You have a tremendous impact on the physical and emotional health of the mothers and newborns you serve and I commend your dedication to such important work.”

The conference brought together leaders from hospitals and academic institutions across Pakistan to emphasize the importance of midwives in the community; review latest global evidence on midwifery care; and build leadership skills among midwives. A total of 24 capacity building and skills development sessions were conducted, addressing leading causes of maternal and newborn deaths. Other topics included respectful maternity care, family planning and gender-based violence.

Dr. Rafat Jan, President of MAP, said, “I consider MAP not just a professional organization but also one of the strong civil society institutions that works for the mothers, newborns, children and early childhood development. We support midwives to gain confidence and develop into leaders through exposure to global standards, competency-based training and evidenced-based practices so they are better able to provide quality women- and family-centered care.”

For more information, contact:
Karim ul Islam
Public Affairs Office
Consulate General of the United States of America
Plot No 3-5, TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road,
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Tel: +92 213 5275 000 Ext: 5242
Fax: +92 213 5275 985
Cell: +92 301 2357 403, 302 8229 895
Email: IslamMK@state.gov