CRC president stresses value of midwives, pregnant care
BUN Rany, the wife of Prime Minister Hun Sen and president of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) called on all pregnant women to take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.
Her remarks were made in advance of International Day of the Midwife on May 5, with this year’s theme being Follow the Data: Invest in Midwives.
“Have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor the growth and development of your baby and give birth at a health centre or referral hospital in order to monitor the health of both mother and baby after delivery. Breastfeed and feed the baby according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health,” she said.
“If you live in an area affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, please contact your midwife to discuss any possible
Covid-related health complications in pregnant women and receive postpartum care advice,” she added.
She reminded pregnant women to contact the hospital immediately and follow their advice if they have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. She also said that pregnant women should absolutely avoid crowded places and enclosed spaces with no airflow.
Bun Rany then called on all national and international organisations, the private sector and development partners to continue to invest in Cambodia’s capacity to build a nation.
The International Day of the Midwife aims to highlight past achievements of midwives and raise awareness among all skilled midwives around the world about current challenges.
Follow the Data: Invest in Midwives was chosen as a theme from a new study conducted jointly by the UN Population Fund, the International Confederation of Midwives
and the World Health Organisation in the 88 countries with the highest maternal and newborn mortality rates.
According to the report, if all countries can achieve universal coverage of essential interventions
and comprehensive care by skilled midwives for women and newborns by 2035 the world will be able to reduce maternal mortality by 67 per cent and reduce infant mortality by 64 per cent.
However, if nothing further is done to address these issues that could result in an estimated 552,000 maternal and infant deaths above and beyond current expectations for mortality.
The study also shows that fully trained midwives who adhere to professional ethics and follow global standards are key players in saving the lives of women and babies.