Engagement of Community Midwives in Flood-Affected Areas of Sindh

Abstract

Background: This article aims to highlight the work and efforts of midwives in the Province of Sindh, especially in the districts of Thatta and Sujjawal. These midwives worked tirelessly to identify pregnant women living in camps, to book them and provide antenatal care, laboratory and ultrasound facilities, to make early referrals of high-risk pregnancies, and most importantly conduct safe and clean deliveries.

Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study conducted at the campsites of Thatta and Sujjawal from August to December 2022. Three teams were working simultaneously, one at the site, the other running mobile service units, and one at Al Farabi Hospital. Data was collected from each team, compiled, and analyzed using MS Excel version 16.

Results: A total of 1280 new antenatal bookings were made of pregnant women residing in the flood-affected areas of Thatta and Sujawwal. 284 deliveries took place during this 5-month period of which 77% were conducted at Al Farabi Hospital.

Conclusion: Certified community midwives are in a unique position to act as first responders during emergency response. With adequate training and professionalization in disaster response, midwives can serve as an army to provide emergency care to women and infants in need during disasters.