Today more than ever, nurses and midwives are leading the way in helping women survive childbirth and stay healthy. Whether attending to the Duchess of Cambridge, who recently gave birth to her second child with the help of midwives, or a mother in rural South Sudan, these critically needed frontline health workers are beacons of light, bringing skilled health care to women and families in all corners of the world.
During this week's global celebration of nurses and midwives, which includes International Day of the Midwife (May 5) and International Nurses Day (May 12), Jhpiego is proud to highlight incredible nurses and midwives who are making a difference in the lives of women in their communities. Their stories of leadership, compassion and service speak for themselves.
Here are six providers you should know:
1.Midwife Rose Naku: Bringing care to women where they live in the world's newest country
2.Nurse-midwife Rati Rani: Champions postpartum family planning in India,
3.Midwife Yesuf Adem: Keeping mothers healthy and their children HIV-free
4.Nurses Comfort Gebeh, Nyapu Taylor and Varwo Sirtor-Gbassie: For Liberian nurses, Ebola prevention becomes part of every discussion
5.Midwife Lateefan Chandio: A girl's big dreams lead to a midwifery career in Pakistan
6.Nurse Mariama Bukari: Efforts to reduce malaria burden in western Ghana gain a new partner
As a proud nurse, I'm honored to be in the company of so many gifted and passionate nurses and midwives around the world who are deeply committed to ensuring that where women and families live does not determine if they live. In appreciation of their service, I urge you to take a moment to recognize the nurses and midwives in your life, your community and your country. Thank them for all they do to improve health and shape the future of health care.