In the wake of the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco, midwives from AMSF, with support from ICM and Direct Relief, provided vital medical and psychological care to impacted communities. They operated medical caravans, delivering prenatal and general health services and supporting trauma recovery. Furthermore, training programs are being implemented to enhance midwives’ responses in future emergencies, illustrating a proactive approach to building resilient healthcare systems.
In September 2023, Morocco endured a catastrophic earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, which devastated numerous communities, particularly in the rural Atlas Mountains region. This disaster resulted in the tragic loss of over 2,900 lives while inflicting injuries on more than 5,500 individuals. Among the most significantly impacted were pregnant women, who faced the dual challenges of navigating personal grief and health risks amidst the ensuing chaos. In response to this humanitarian crisis, midwives affiliated with the Association Marocaine des Sages-Femmes (AMSF), under the guidance of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), mobilized to provide essential care and support to the affected populations. Thanks to the financial backing from Direct Relief, AMSF deployed five medical caravans into the severely affected areas, namely Saidate, Tighdouine, Zerkten, Onein, and Timzdagiouine. A sixth caravan was also initiated in collaboration with ICM, specifically directing its efforts towards Ouirgane in the Province of Al Haouz, a locale desperately in need of medical attention. On January 13, 2024, a team of dedicated AMSF midwives, along with physicians and nurses, established a mobile clinic in Ouirgane, where they attended to 169 patients in just one day. Their services encompassed prenatal care, general medical consultations, and screenings for critical health conditions including HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. They also performed ultrasounds to monitor fetal health and conducted educational workshops on topics such as family planning, nutrition, and breastfeeding. In addition, they distributed 140 dignity kits, 10 newborn kits, and winter clothing to families affected by the calamity, ensuring holistic support during this difficult time. For patients requiring advanced medical attention, the midwives organized referrals to higher-level healthcare facilities like Marrakech University Hospital, demonstrating their commitment to comprehensive care. The role of midwives extended beyond physical health; they also provided psychological support to women traumatized by the earthquake, conducting both individual and group counseling sessions. In particular, women suffering from gender-based violence received targeted coaching and support, highlighting the multifaceted, compassionate role that midwives fulfill in their communities. Despite significant obstacles in accessing remote areas, where many health centers suffered extensive damage, AMSF midwives relied on their profound connections within local networks to ensure they reached those in dire need. Looking towards the future, as Morocco embarks on its recovery journey, AMSF and ICM are proactively enhancing the preparedness of midwives for potential future crises. AMSF has requested further training for its members, prompting ICM to develop the “Ready to Respond: A Midwife’s Guide to Humanitarian Action” program. This initiative aims to equip midwives with the skills necessary for efficient responses in emergency situations, covering essential areas such as disaster management and respectful maternity care in humanitarian contexts. In May 2024, a comprehensive three-day Train the Trainer program was conducted in Rabat, granting AMSF midwives vital training in crisis assessments, newborn care management in emergencies, and advocacy for the inclusion of midwives in national emergency response strategies. Through these educational efforts, these midwives are empowered to preserve community health and advocate for the establishment of more robust and inclusive healthcare systems during future disasters. The collaboration between Direct Relief, ICM, and AMSF exemplifies the potential for midwives to take a leading role in crisis situations. As communities surrounding the earthquake slowly begin to heal and recover, the dedication of these midwives remains evident, as they deliver not only medical care but also hope and stability to those around them. A video documenting the caravan’s impactful work in Ouirgane captures the resilience and courage of these midwives as they diligently support the recovery efforts in Morocco.
The September 2023 earthquake in Morocco has been a severe humanitarian crisis that disproportionately affected rural communities, resulting in significant loss of life and a multitude of injuries. The earthquake not only destroyed infrastructure but also presented health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The deployment of midwives from AMSF, supported by ICM and Direct Relief, exemplifies a coordinated response to address both immediate health needs and ongoing support in these affected areas. The initiative is also a part of a larger effort to prepare healthcare professionals for similar future emergencies.
The midwives’ response to the earthquake in Morocco underscores their crucial role in providing both essential medical care and psychological support in times of crisis. By leveraging local connections and maintain a focus on inclusive healthcare, these professionals are pivotal in recovery efforts. The ongoing training initiatives facilitated by AMSF and ICM are equally significant, as they aim to empower midwives to effectively address future humanitarian crises, ensuring that communities remain resilient and supported.
Original Source: internationalmidwives.org
