CAM champions midwives as essential advocates for sexual health and reproductive rights, delivering quality care for mothers and newborns globally. Over the last month, our partner associations have made tremendous strides in organizing and implementing Respectful Maternity Care, supporting youth advocacy for gender equity and addiction support, conducting field research on SRHR, and holding virtual information sessions where the safety of midwives is a concern. Our global team recently held a two-day retreat to enhance our approach to association strengthening, governance, and project monitoring and evaluation. Together, we are building a healthier future
HR4
June saw the re start of YouthZone 72, the weekly call in show broadcast in Juba, South Sudan. The popular radio show saw over 2M listeners tune in over the last year, and over 100k on Facebook live. The first show of the season featured a discussion regarding tensions between traditional and modern approaches to marriage, dowries and the enormous consequences of child or “young” marriage on both the young girl, her family and community. The show generated tremendous interest among young people with over 200 comments and over 5000 viewers on the FB live feed. YouthZone72 airs every Saturday at 4pm (EAT) on EYE Radio, South Sudan. HR4 is funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by UNFPA.
Atención Segura Respetuosa – Safe Respectful Care – Zulia Project
The project partners, working within the framework of the “Atención Segura Respetuosa – Safe and Respectful Care” project funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by UNFPA, conducted a series of in-person interviews with women in the State of Zulia, Venezuela. These interviews were part of an information-gathering session aimed at informing the development of a baseline report on beliefs regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The interviews were conducted with health institutions and communities associated with the project, including midwives from two indigenous communities.
As part of a training of trainers workshop on Respectful Maternal Care (RMC), a series of materials, including tote bags, notebooks, and a new logo, were created for the project participants and facilitators from seven health institutions in the State of Zulia, a border state with Colombia. Atención Segura Respetuosa is the first global project of ACSF to collaborate with the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM). It is also ACSF’s first project in Latin America. Preparations are underway for an exchange in the State of Zulia later in 2024. The project is scheduled to run until 2026.
PASSREL
As part of PASSRREL project, (funded by Global Affairs Canada and in partnership with and in celebration of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, ASFH (Association sage-femmes Haiti) hosted a webinar on the topic: “Cross Perspectives between Respect for Sexual Rights and Access Healthcare for Haitian Women.” Panelists included: Maître Mona (FOSREF) discussed sexual rights and what the Haitian constitution says about the sexual rights of women and girls. Dr. Bélimaire (SHOG) addressed Haitian public policies regarding sexual rights and sexual and reproductive health.And for ASFH, Jeffthanie Maturin spoke about the use of services and access to sexual and reproductive health care for Haitian women, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Launched in April 2021 SESRH is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie, CAM and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). The webinar can be viewed here.
SMART RMC
“The relationship between a mother and a midwife is built on trust, respect and support, throughout the pregnancy journey. It is my duty as a mother to visit healthcare provider during my pregnant journey to ensure the heath of my baby…the midwives (at Juba Teaching Hospital) are professional and the treat mothers with respect. What I like from those midwives they do treat us with respect that has make us to have strong relationship with them” Easter, Juba
Several more success stories showcasing the impacts of Respectful Maternity Care were gathered by the South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association at Juba Teaching Hospital. As part of the GAC-funded SMART-RMC project, Over 83 health care providers from 11 health facilities in hard-to-reach areas throughout the country participated in facility-based, needs-adapted trainings on gender-responsive Respectful Maternity Care and clinical competencies for continued learning and skills retention. SMART RMC is in partnership with SSNAMA (South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association and SCOSAF ( Societe Congolaise De La Pratique Sage-Femme)
PROJECT SMIT
The Global Affairs funded, UNFPA-led The Strengthening of Midwifery in Tanzania (SMIT or Thamini Uzazi Salama) in partnership with TAMA (Tanzania Association of Midwives) project launched May 5 during an event at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Dar El Salaam. The event was graced by The Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila. Hellen Fish, Manager of Cooperation at the Canada Embassy attended on behalf of GAC. CAM Regional Coordinator – Central & Eastern Africa Stephano Simba, had the honor of delivering remarks for CAM. It was heartening to hear CAM mentioned several times by various leaders. Dr. Rashid Mfaume (second right in the second photo), Director of Health at the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), fondly recalled the CAM-TAMA twinning initiative and our significant contributions to Tanzania.
