Midwives from five health districts in the Ziguinchor region led a discussion at the Thionck-Essyl health district in the Bignona department, focusing on "The vital role of the midwife in emergency situations." This was an opportunity to advocate for greater recognition of midwives' work and improved working conditions.

For Mariama Ba Dramé, a midwife at the Colette Senghor health post in Ziguinchor and president of the regional midwives' association, "we all know that there are posts located on the outskirts that have access problems. Even here, there are posts that have electricity problems. We are sending a message to the authorities to help midwives to have good conditions," she pleads, because midwives are indispensable in all crises.

"If there is a crisis, we call on the midwife, that's why she is indispensable. Hence this year's theme," emphasizes Ms. Dramé.

For his part, Dr. Abdel Kader Sarr, chief medical officer of the Thionk-Essyl health district, called for greater recognition of the midwifery profession. "These are unsung heroines. We are appealing to all authorities for the revaluation of the midwifery profession."

The mayor of Mlomp echoed this sentiment and praised the choice of theme. "They chose this theme well to show that midwives in large cities and those in the most remote areas must be treated equally. We must support them so they can properly practice their profession. Because if the conditions aren't right, they risk not being able to provide the population with the necessary care. It is up to us—the State, our local authorities, and the population—to support them, wherever they are located," argued Papis Asoumama Diémé.