Midwives: A Vital Solution to the Climate, Advocacy, Sustainability
The Midwifery Society under Emirates Nursing Association-ENA in the UAE hosted the First UAE International Midwifery Conference (UAEIMC 2024) under the theme “one voice...one future” in collaboration with the National Association (NNA) at Ministry of Health and Prevention–MOHAP, Director–Department of Nursing at Emirates Health Services EHS-Dubai. The event was supported by esteemed sponsors from Kenvue, Phillips, Hortman Stem Cell Laboratory, Mustela, BinSina Pharmacy, Waterwipes, Vernacare, Facts of Life, Emitac in collaboration with the Emirates Nursing Association-ENA.
The conference aimed to concisely encapsulated our vision for the future in midwifery, encapsulating a holistic approach to enhancing healthcare outcomes in Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) through midwifery practices and addressed the ongoing challenges to meet the standards of midwifery excellence in the country. The conference was attended by midwives and nursing professionals across the UAE and internationally.
The opening speech was delivered by Khadija Mohamed Sulaiman Al Sulaimi - ENA Midwifery Society chairperson highlighted the significance of this event, which is being celebrated in the United Arab Emirates and in lined with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), we recognize that midwives are a vital solution in adapting health systems to climate change, and lowering carbon emissions overall. Midwives deliver safe and environmentally sustainable health services, help communities adapt to climate change and are first responders during climate disasters. As midwives workforce, our warming world needs, we need investment, resources, autonomy, recognition, and a seat at every decision-making table. It’s essential that our contributions are acknowledged, and our voices are heard in shaping policies and practices that support midwives to provide quality, reproductive, maternal, newborn and infant health, that are also sustainable for our planet.
Followed by Dr. Sumaya Mohammed Alblooshi, President at ENA. And main Key speakers from midwifery professionals are Dr. Roa Al Taweli, President- Saudi Association of Midwifery, Dr. Jameela Mukahimer, President- Bahrain Nursing & Midwifery Society, Dr. Ibtesam Omar Jahlan, Vice President, Saudi Association of Midwifery, Mrs. Farida Shah, ICM Regional Board Member - Eastern Mediterranean. And from national are Prof. Maeve O'Connell-Asst.Prof of Midwifery FCHS, Prof. Georgina Sosa, Asst Prof of Midwifery, FCHS, Prof . Victoria Hanson, Associate Professor, RAK College of Health Sciences, Dr. Summia Zaher, CEO Danat Emarat Women and Children Hospital, Dr. Khaled El Atawi, Consultant Neonatologist, LWCH.
The conference addressed papers of presentations and interactive discussions that covered vital national and international midwifery strategic directions in the following:
MATERNAL & NEONATAL OUTCOMES WITH PRENATAL CARE AND SCREENING
OPTIMISING LABOR AND BIRTH
MENTAL HEALTH IN MIDWIFERY CARE
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES IN MIDWIFERY CARE
ADVOCACY AND POLICY INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT MIDWIFERY PRACTICE
ENHANCING NEONATAL CARE AND BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
ADVANCED MIDWIFERY PRACTICE
MIDWIFERY EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The conference was a huge success with 350+ midwives and nursing professionals participated from different parts of the world and it was highly impactful.
The ENA Midwifery Society encourages all midwives, healthcare professionals, and interested parties to celebrate the vital role of midwives and contributing to the future of maternal health to the upcoming Second UAE International Midwifery Conference on from 8th - 9th of November, 2025, in Dubai, UAE supported by Stethon FZ LLC.
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