International Day of the Midwife is an annual event celebrating midwives' work around the globe. This time of celebration will reflect on progress in midwifery over the past 100 years. UNFPA Tajikistan together with Republican Medical College in Dushanbe has held an event to celebrate International Day of the Midwife on 5th May and organized a contest “The best midwife” among students. Around 100 students, panel of judges and faculty members gathered to talk about the importance of the work midwives do and motherhood overall, followed by activities.

In her speech, Dr. Nargis Rakhimova, UNFPA Tajikistan Head Office highlighted the essential role of midwives as frontlines in providing integrated reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as a key element of the Universal Health Coverage. She continued with the positive outcomes of UNFPA interventions on integrated SRHR including maternal health, family planning, cervical cancer prevention, prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with particular attention on adolescent and youth SRHR and GBV prevention services that saved many lives in Tajikistan thereby encouraging students to work hard and understand the professions’ role.

The contest included a variety of tasks including question and answer session, demonstration of midwifery as well as culinary skills. The winners and participants received valuable prizes to boost their confidence and increase motivation.