International Midwives' Day Celebrated with Enthusiasm at MCBÜ

Within the scope of International Midwives’ Day, the Department of Midwifery at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBÜ) organized a symposium themed “Midwives: A Vital Resource in Every Crisis.”

Held at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center on the Health Campus, the symposium was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nursen Bolsoy, Head of the Midwifery Department. In her opening speech, she stated:

“With proper education, a sufficient number of midwives, and strong interdisciplinary integration, midwives can meet approximately 90% of essential reproductive health services. In recent years, pandemics, wars, earthquakes, and migrations have left deep impacts both globally and in Türkiye. In this symposium, we will discuss the health impacts of social crises and the responsibilities that fall on us.”

Acting Director of Manisa Provincial Health, Specialist Dr. Metin Gümüş, highlighted the critical role of midwives in public health services. He emphasized that midwifery services must continue uninterrupted not only during routine times but also in disaster and crisis situations, and he extended his congratulations to all midwives on their special day.

MCBÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oktay Üçer underlined the historical significance of the midwifery profession and noted that the “Normal Birth Action Plan” led by the Ministry of Health has strengthened the role of midwives in the healthcare system. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Kahramanmaraş earthquake have proven that midwifery services are indispensable and cannot be postponed.

As part of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to students and faculty members whose projects were supported by TÜBİTAK 2209-A and UNİDES. A musical performance by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture – Music Department, and an art exhibition prepared by midwifery students received great acclaim.

In the panel titled “Social Crises and Midwifery,” Prof. Dr. Kerziban Yenal (Tınaztepe University) and Selcan Özcan (Deputy Director of Health Services, Hafsa Sultan Hospital) served as session chairs. Experts such as Dr. Berna Bilgin Şahin from MCBÜ Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahide Demirelöz Akyüz from Ege University shared their insights and experiences.

In another session chaired by Specialist Dr. Leyla Arıcı (President of Health Services, Manisa Provincial Health Directorate) and Dr. Esra Bozhan Tayhan (MCBÜ Midwifery Department), Ebe Nazan Yiğit from Saruhanlı District Health Directorate and Senior Midwife Ayşe Yerlikaya from Manisa City Hospital’s Maternity Ward delivered presentations on “Midwifery Experiences in Social Crises.”
Trainer and professional coach Ece İşlekel also contributed to the event with her presentation titled “Psychological Well-Being in Life Crises: Mindful Awareness.”

The program concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the panelists and contributors.