In order to draw attention on the importance of population in the country and the world, UNFPA Lebanon organized an initiative to welcome the Lebanese 8 billionth babies as part of the 8 billion worldwide campaign. In partnership with the ministry of public health (MoPH), UNFPA reached girls and boys born in the 21 governmental hospitals across Lebanon on November 15. In the 21 governmental hospitals that include maternity wards, UNFPA gave out Birth certificates to mothers for newborn babies that outline their 8 commitments to the world. In addition, mothers and newborn babies received baby kits. Along the same lines, the midwives at the targeted hospitals provided adequate counselling on neonatal, family planning and sexual and reproductive health matters.
Around the world, May is a time to celebrate mothers and the health workers who help them enter motherhood. Dozens of countries observe Mother’s Day in May and, on 5 May, the International Day of the Midwife honours the life-saving work of midwives everywhere.
Yet this May, as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps through the world, these celebrations arrive on a sombre note. With health systems stretched, movement restrictions in place and concerns about disease exposure in health-care settings, mothers and midwives are risking their own health and lives to bring new life into the world.
This May, UNFPA applauds midwives and celebrates mothers, and calls for partners and governments around the world to take every possible step to ensure their safety and health.