In September 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake devastated parts of Morocco, claiming over 2,900 lives and injuring more than 5,500 individuals, particularly affecting pregnant women. In response, the Association Marocaine des Sages-Femmes (AMSF) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) launched medical caravans to provide critical healthcare, including prenatal support, psychological assistance, and referrals to advanced care facilities. As Morocco rebuilds, AMSF and ICM are developing training programs to enhance midwives’ preparedness for future emergencies, ensuring that maternal and child health remains a priority in crisis situations.
In September 2023, Morocco was struck by a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8, which resulted in significant devastation, particularly impacting rural areas within the Atlas Mountains. This disaster claimed over 2,900 lives and injured more than 5,500 individuals. Among the most affected demographic were pregnant women, who faced profound loss and health risks amidst the chaos that ensued. In response to this catastrophe, the Association Marocaine des Sages-Femmes (AMSF), in collaboration with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), mobilized midwives to deliver essential care and support to the affected communities. With financial support from Direct Relief, AMSF launched five medical caravans to deliver aid across various impacted regions, including Saidate, Tighdouine, Zerkten, Onein, and Timzdagiouine. Additionally, a sixth caravan was initiated in partnership with ICM to serve the rural area of Ouirgane in the Province of Al Haouz, which was desperately in need of assistance. On January 13, 2024, AMSF midwives, part of a multidisciplinary team that also included physicians and nurses, set up a mobile clinic in Ouirgane. During this outreach, they provided health services to 169 patients in a single day. The services offered included prenatal care, general medical consultations, and screenings for conditions such as HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. Further, ultrasounds were performed to evaluate fetal well-being, along with educational sessions focused on family planning, nutrition, and breastfeeding. The team also distributed 140 dignity kits, 10 newborn kits, and winter clothing to families adversely affected by the earthquake. For patients requiring more specialized treatment, midwives facilitated referrals to higher-level medical facilities, such as Marrakech University Hospital, ensuring comprehensive care continuity. In addition to physical health services, the midwives provided psychological support to the women grappling with trauma and loss due to the earthquake. They conducted individual and group sessions and extended special support to women affected by gender-based violence, exemplifying the varied and compassionate roles midwives serve in their communities. Accessing remote areas posed a significant challenge because many local health centres had been damaged or were difficult to reach. Nevertheless, the AMSF midwives, with their established connections to local communities, persevered to ensure that assistance reached those in dire need. Looking ahead, as Morocco undertakes recovery efforts, AMSF and ICM are committed to enhancing midwives’ preparedness for potential future crises. AMSF has advocated for additional training for its members, and in response, ICM has devised the “Ready to Respond: A Midwife’s Guide to Humanitarian Action” program. This extensive training equips midwives to act promptly and effectively during emergencies, addressing topics such as disaster management and respectful maternity care in humanitarian contexts. In May 2024, ICM conducted a three-day “Train the Trainer (ToT)” program in Rabat, providing AMSF midwives the skills necessary to assess needs during crises, manage newborn care in emergencies, and advocate for the integration of midwives in national emergency response frameworks. This preparation will empower midwives to safeguard community health and advocate for stronger, more inclusive healthcare systems in the event of future disasters. The collaboration between Direct Relief, ICM, and AMSF exemplifies how midwives can take a leadership role during crises. As communities continue to recover from the earthquake, the commitment of these midwives not only offers midwifery care but also instills hope and stability in the affected populations. A video documenting the caravan’s efforts in Ouirgane captures the resilience and dedication of these midwives in supporting Morocco’s recovery endeavors.
The earthquake in Morocco in September 2023 was a natural disaster that not only caused loss of life but also left behind a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the affected regions, particularly among vulnerable populations like pregnant women. The urgent need for medical and psychological support highlighted the critical role of midwives in disaster response. This situation provided an opportunity for organizations like AMSF and ICM to mobilize resources and expertise to assist in emergency contexts, bridging gaps in care caused by the destruction of health infrastructure. The proposed training programs and collaborations aim to empower midwives for better preparedness in future crises, underscoring their essential role in community health.
In summary, the response to the 2023 earthquake in Morocco illustrates the vital contributions of midwives during crises, particularly in providing comprehensive healthcare and emotional support to affected communities. As AMSF and ICM implement training programs to enhance midwives’ preparedness for emergencies, they play a crucial role in rebuilding and stabilizing healthcare access for vulnerable populations. The effective collaboration between organizations further strengthens disaster response capabilities and emphasizes the importance of including midwives in national health strategies.
Original Source: internationalmidwives.org
