Sana'a: The first scientific conference on midwifery, organized by the Ministry of Health and Environment through the Health Management and Quality Control Sector, is set to commence next Tuesday in Sana'a. The event, known as the Yemeni Midwifery Program, will be held under the theme "Hands that Nurture Life and Efforts that Build the Future."
According to Yemen News Agency, the conference, scheduled for May 12-13, 2026, aims to enhance the midwifery profession by increasing awareness of its significance and the role of midwives in improving maternal and newborn health. The conference seeks to promote evidence-based professional practices, emphasize the role of midwives at various healthcare levels, and highlight their contributions to reducing maternal and newborn mortality.
The conference will assess the current state of the midwifery profession, examine progress and success stories, and address challenges while proposing solutions. It will also feature the latest evidence-based trends and practices in midwifery and foster collaboration between midwives and health and academic institutions. Attendees will participate in scientific sessions, including lectures and workshops on midwifery's health and societal importance, midwives' roles in pregnancy and childbirth, newborn health, advocacy for natural childbirth, and addressing obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
Participants will also discuss the reference guide for midwifery practice, professional ethics, legal responsibilities, and challenges in the profession. Sessions on continuing professional development, capacity building, and workshops on labor and delivery, assisted breathing, and basic newborn care are also planned.
Zainab Al-Badawi, head of the conference's preparatory committee, highlighted the conference's significance coinciding with the International Day of the Midwife. Four hundred participants, including decision-makers, researchers, midwives, and health professionals from various sectors, are expected to attend. The conference will also include midwifery teachers, trainers, maternal and newborn health directors, and 250 midwives from all governorates.
Al-Badawi emphasized that this inaugural scientific conference by the Ministry of Health and Environment on midwifery will review the latest research and developments in the field and provide updates on obstetric and neonatal emergency services. Accompanying the conference will be activities such as exhibitions, presentations of midwife success stories, and the honoring of distinguished midwives.
The conference is anticipated to generate practical recommendations to support the midwifery profession, raise awareness of midwives' roles, strengthen institutional partnerships, and enhance the status of midwives within the healthcare system. It aims to develop strategic recommendations for advancing the profession and establishing a network connecting midwives with relevant stakeholders.