Skilled attendant present at 90% of childbirths – Chief Medical Officer

Guyana’s efforts to ensure safer childbirth have pushed skilled birth attendance to 90 per cent as health officials target global rates by 2030.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Narine Singh on Friday said this is important to upgrade the skills of midwives and this is a national priority.

A training session for strategic Management of High-Risk Obstetric Conditions was held on Friday at the Ministry of Health.

“Upgrading the skills of our midwives is very important.

“These sessions are designed to ensure they are better prepared to handle the emergencies they may encounter during the delivery process,” Dr. Singh said.

He noted that the workshops form a key part of their continuous medical education ensuring that midwives remain competent, confident, and up to date with modern obstetrics practices.

As Guyana moves toward its 2030 targets, the country hopes to achieve 100 percent of deliveries being attended by a skilled birth attendant.

“Right now, we stand at about 90 percent,” Dr. Singh said.

He added that the nation is trending positively in terms of its maternal mortality rate. He credited the commitment of healthcare professionals, especially midwives working in far-flung communities, for ensuring that every newborn receives timely care, no matter where they live.

Dr. Singh also issued a reminder about the human side of maternal care. He acknowledged reports from patients who felt the quality of care during delivery fell short due to the professionals being less understanding of the painful process.

He reminded them to be kind and respectful as this will be a memory for patients, blending clinical skills with compassion.

Guyana’s midwives continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a healthier future for mothers and their babies. Dr. Singh said the ministry is aiming to have more persons trained in this field and readily available in every region.