EDITORIAL: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MIDWIFERY IN UGANDA AND SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Midwifery has long been a cornerstone of maternal and newborn healthcare, playing a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care (pre, intra, and postnatal services). In Uganda and across SubSaharan Africa, midwives are essential frontline healthcare providers, always providing critical service but also often working under challenging conditions to save lives and promote the well-being of mothers and infants. As we visualize the future, it becomes evident that the landscape of midwifery in Uganda and the great African region is poised for transformative changes that will revolutionize maternal and neonatal care.

The future of midwifery in Uganda and SubSaharan Africa is marked by a convergence of emerging trends and ongoing challenges. Rapid population growth, limited resources, high numbers of teenage pregnancies, inadequate infrastructure and machinery for midwifery services, and geographical barriers and transportation limitations have historically posed obstacles to the effective delivery of maternal healthcare services. In response, governments, organizations, and healthcare professionals are coming together to innovate and address these challenges head-on. Governments and their partners are putting in place strategies to improve the referral systems, human resources, stock management and supplies, and information systems management and utilization of such information.

One of the most promising developments in the future of midwifery is the integration of technology and telemedicine. Mobile health (mHealth) applications and teleconsultations hold tremendous potential to connect midwives with expectant mothers, even in remote areas. This digital revolution allows midwives to provide crucial guidance, monitor pregnancies, and offer postpartum support from a distance. By extending the reach of midwifery services, technology is helping bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare. However, appropriate skills are required for the operation of this wonderful advancement in technology and telemedicine. As the Health sector looks into infrastructure improvement to accommodate such, universities and educational institutions should embrace innovative curricula that cater to such advancements. midwifery services and policies that prioritize maternal health, the trajectory of care delivery can be transformed.

Investing in the education and empowerment of midwives is a key focus for shaping the future. Enhanced training programs, continuing professional education, and capacity building are all contributing to a more skilled and competent midwifery workforce. Governments and international partners are recognizing the need to elevate the status of midwives, ensuring they have the necessary skills to handle complex cases and provide comprehensive care.

Community-based approaches are gaining traction, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration between midwives and the communities they serve. Midwives are not just healthcare providers; they are also educators, advocates, and supporters. By involving local communities in maternal health initiatives, midwives are able to address cultural norms, improve awareness, and promote healthy practices.

The future of midwifery relies on robust policy frameworks, improved financing for maternal and child health, and advocacy efforts. Governments and stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role midwives play in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 - ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. By advocating for increased investment in

As we look ahead to the future of midwifery in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa, a sense of optimism prevails. The convergence of technology, education, community engagement, positive political will, and advocacy is propelling midwifery into a new era of excellence and positive impact. By embracing innovation, prioritizing empowerment, and fostering partnerships, we can work together to ensure that every woman, adolescent, child and expectant mother receives the care and support they deserve, regardless of their location or circumstances. The future of midwifery is a future of hope and happiness, where every birth is safe, every mother is empowered, every newborn has the opportunity to thrive and every teenager and adolescent has an opportunity to visualize the future family and childbearing positively. As we read this issue 3 volume 2 of the MMLTT Newsletter, I encourage you to think of how better we shall have the best midwifery services in our country and beyond.

Dr Safinah K Museene (PhD)

Chairperson: Nurses and Midwives Leaders Think Tank (NMLTT)