Our team in Rwanda shared a moment with Ester Kayitesi, a midwife at Rwamagana Provincial Hospital. Ester is involved in the identification of COVID-19 cases. She works day and night conducting screenings. But even in the midst of all the chaos, she doesn’t feel scared. “I am happy about my contribution to saving lives,” she said.
Rwanda declared its first case of coronavirus on March 14th, 2020, at which point nurses and midwives were organized for prevention, detection, and response to COVID-19.
The World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services. These are the people who devote their lives to caring for mothers and children, giving lifesaving immunizations and health advice, looking after older people, and generally meeting every day essential health needs. They are often the first and only point of care in their communities.
We celebrate midwives like Ester and are constantly in awe of their bravery and commitment.
