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Lesotho's Male Midwives Bridge Care Gap
30 Aug
Summary
- Men are becoming midwives in Lesotho to reduce high maternal death rates.
- Traditionally women's work, male midwives now attend 92% of births.
- Cultural views are shifting as male midwives prove attentive and gentle.
In mountainous Lesotho, men like Ntlhane Sehloho are redefining traditional roles as midwives, a critical effort to reduce the country's high maternal mortality rate. Lesotho faces approximately 530 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly above the global average. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for a large majority of global fatalities.
Despite conservative societal views, the number of male midwives is growing. Sehloho, one of around 300 male midwives in the nation, emphasizes his commitment to putting women at ease through his attentive care. Health authorities encouraged male nurses to train as midwives to address shortages in rural areas.
Lesotho's Ministry of Health affirms that gender should not be a barrier to healthcare, though women can opt for female providers if uncomfortable. Organizations like UNFPA note that male midwives are often perceived as more gentle and attentive. UNICEF data indicates that 92% of births in Lesotho are now attended by a trained health professional, highlighting the success of these efforts.
