Nurses and midwives in the country have been urged to embrace research and uphold professionalism while executing their duties. The remarks were made at a ‘research day’ that brought together midwives, nursing and midwifery students at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, over the weekend. Officials observed that midwives’ role is key to the survival of expectant mothers. Priscille Musabirema, a medical researcher and assistant lecturer at the College, said mortality rate in Rwanda can be reduced further through professionalism, innovation and research. “In the past, we had inexperienced and unskilled midwives who conducted deliveries, leading to several deaths, which is not the case today, though we still have a long way to go in terms of skills development,” she said. Philomene Uwimana, the acting director of simulation and clinical skills nurse educator at the College, observed that many mothers die due medical errors. She advised medics to regularly visit medical libraries and laboratories so as to build their capacity through reading and carrying out research. Dr Donatilla Mukamana, the acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, reaffirmed commitment to their role of teaching and reaching out to the community through sensitisation drives. She explained that the meeting was called to sensitise participants on the role of sustained medical research in learning. “We found that students end up doing just theory rather than practicals, which is essential in their medical career…,” she said. Meanwhile, Olive Bazirete, a registered midwife and assistant lecturer at the College, said sexual abuse among teens is prevalent. She called on midwives to learn how to not only help them deliver safely but also advise them on reproductive health and the negative effects of unwanted pregnancies. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
