Daw San Win Phyu, a midwife with over 30 years of experience, embodies the spirit of dedication and care in the remote regions of Myanmar. At 68, her passion for her work is as strong as ever, driven by a profound commitment to safeguard the lives of mothers and their newborns. "I am always proud of myself for my dedication and commitment as a community midwife," she states with a warm smile.
Working tirelessly both day and night, Daw San Win Phyu has become a guardian of health within her community. "As a midwife, I work day and night to provide health support for the people in the community," she explains. Her days are filled with providing antenatal care to pregnant women, sexual and reproductive healthcare including family planning for people in the community. She also provides mental health and psychosocial support, understanding the emotional and psychological challenges pregnant women face. Sometimes, she travels from one village to another, ensuring that no one is left without care.
But it's often in the stillness of the night that her support is most urgently needed. "Sometimes I go out at night for emergency delivery. There have been nights when I was requested for delivery two to three times," she recounts. Despite the exhaustion that comes with such demanding work, the sight of a newborn baby’s face reinvigorates her spirit. "When I see the faces of new born babies, the weariness goes away," she shares, her eyes lighting up with the joy of life she helps bring into the world.
In these remote areas, many locals face poverty and despair, making her presence as a midwife critical. "Many local people here are poor and in need of our support," she says. More than just a healthcare provider, she also offers words of encouragement and support, understanding that "a helpful word can be a powerful remedy." She continues, "I always encourage them and tell them not to worry since I am here to help them." Additionally,
In these remote areas, many locals face poverty and despair, making her presence as a midwife critical. "Many local people here are poor and in need of our support," she says. More than just a healthcare provider, she also offers words of encouragement and support, understanding that "a helpful word can be a powerful remedy." She continues, "I always encourage them and tell them not to worry since I am here to help them." Mental health and psychosocial support are important for pregnant women in order to navigate the emotional challenges before and after delivery, ensuring they feel supported in every aspect of their well-being.
Her role extends beyond maternal health care; Daw San Win Phyu is a vital link in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for the people in the community. "Regardless of my age, I am really passionate about sexual and reproductive health as well as the rights of women to access family planning services," she asserts. Her work is critical in these communities, where access to sexual and reproductive health information can significantly impact the quality of life and health outcomes.
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, has played a significant role in supporting midwives across Myanmar. In 2023, UNFPA expanded its midwifery program into humanitarian-affected regions such as Sagaing, Magway, Bago, and Kayin, while continuing to support existing clinics in Yangon, Mandalay, and Ayeyarwaddy Region. These efforts have not only helped to enhance the delivery of quality midwifery care but also fostered the development of midwifery networks that encourage collaboration among midwives, volunteers, and obstetricians and gynecologists.
To further strengthen the capacities of midwives and other healthcare providers, UNFPA, in collaboration with its implementing partners, conducted three clinical skill-based training sessions focused on Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC). These training sessions have been crucial in enhancing the skills of service providers working in the humanitarian affected areas, thereby improving maternal healthcare in emergency situations.
Daw San Win Phyu's dedication exemplifies the critical role of midwives in improving maternal health, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas. Her story underscores the need for continued support and investment in midwifery services to ensure that every pregnancy is safe and every mother receives the care she deserves.
Reflecting on her long career, Daw San Win Phyu feels a deep sense of fulfillment. "That’s why I am really honored to serve the people in need, particularly women from remote communities," she explains. Her life's work is not just about delivering babies; it's about delivering hope and resilience for the communities.
