When midwives are properly educated and regulated, they can avert maternal and neonatal mortality, morbidity, and stillbirths.

These sentiments were shared at the International Day of the Midwife celebration, held in Windhoek over the weekend.

The Independent Midwives Association of Namibia (IMANA) advocates for proper training of midwives.

The aim is competency-based training, producing competent midwives by building capacity, challenging themselves to hone skills, and providing a continuous professional development platform for matters of midwifery practice.

The President of IMANA, Sylvia Hamata, says midwives play an important role in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, particularly in the face of unprecedented climate change challenges.

The theme for the year, "A Vital Climate Solution," resonates with the ethos of the profession as it highlights the role of carers and also advocates for sustainable healthcare practices that protect both human health and the environment.