In the wake of the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco, midwives from the AMSF, supported by ICM and Direct Relief, launched medical caravans to provide crucial healthcare services to affected rural communities, delivering prenatal care, psychological support, and educational initiatives. The response included setting up mobile clinics, distributing essential supplies, and preparing further training to equip midwives for future crises, demonstrating their invaluable role in recovery and community health.
In September 2023, Morocco experienced a catastrophic earthquake registering a magnitude of 6.8, which inflicted severe devastation on many regions, particularly in the rural areas of the Atlas Mountains. This calamity resulted in the loss of over 2900 lives and injured more than 5500 individuals. Pregnant women were amongst the most impacted, facing numerous health risks amid the chaos that ensued. In response to this humanitarian crisis, the Association Marocaine des Sages-Femmes (AMSF), with support from the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), mobilized to provide essential healthcare services to those affected. To effectively reach remote communities, AMSF utilized funding from Direct Relief to launch five medical caravans across the earthquake-prone areas, including Saidate, Tighdouine, Zerkten, Onein, and Timzdagiouine. Furthermore, a sixth caravan, initiated in collaboration with ICM, focused on providing aid to Ouirgane, located in the Province of Al Haouz, which was critically in need of medical support. On January 13, 2024, AMSF midwives, alongside a multidisciplinary team including physicians and nurses, established a mobile clinic in Ouirgane. During this intervention, they successfully catered to 169 patients, delivering services such as prenatal care, general medical consultations, and screenings for prevalent health issues including HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. The midwives conducted ultrasounds to monitor fetal health and facilitated educational workshops addressing family planning, nutrition, and breastfeeding. In addition to medical care, the team distributed 140 dignity kits, 10 newborn kits, and winter clothing to families rendered vulnerable by the disaster. For patients requiring more advanced medical interventions, the midwives ensured proper referrals to higher-level healthcare facilities, including Marrakech University Hospital, thereby guaranteeing continuity of care. Furthermore, psychological support was an integral part of the services provided by the midwives, with both individual and group sessions aimed at assisting women dealing with trauma and loss. They also offered support to survivors of gender-based violence, highlighting the essential and compassionate role midwives play in community health. One substantial obstacle faced was the access to remote areas, particularly those where health centers had been compromised or were challenging to reach due to the earthquake’s aftermath. Nevertheless, the AMSF midwives relied on their established connections with local communities to persist in their efforts, ensuring that care reached those in most need. As Morocco begins its recovery process, AMSF and ICM are proactively preparing for future crises. They have identified the necessity for further training among midwives, prompting AMSF’s request for enhanced training programs. In response, ICM developed the “Ready to Respond: A Midwife’s Guide to Humanitarian Action” curriculum, aimed at equipping midwives with critical skills to effectively navigate emergency situations, including disaster management and the provision of respectful maternity care in humanitarian contexts. In May 2024, ICM hosted a three-day Train the Trainer (ToT) program in Rabat, where AMSF midwives engaged in vital training on crisis needs assessment, newborn care in emergencies, and advocacy for the integration of midwives in national emergency response plans. This training positions midwives to safeguard community health and advocate for more robust and inclusive healthcare systems during any future disasters. The collaboration among Direct Relief, ICM, and AMSF serves as an exemplary model of midwife-led initiatives during emergencies, showcasing their critical role in the recovery of communities affected by catastrophic events. As the impacted populations gradually regain their footing, the unwavering dedication of these midwives continues to illuminate the path forward, imparting not only healthcare but also hope and resilience amid adversity.
The earthquake that struck Morocco in September 2023 highlighted the vulnerabilities of rural communities, especially impacting pregnant women. The response from midwives, aided by contributions from organizations such as ICM and Direct Relief, illustrates the vital role health professionals play in disaster recovery. Through medical caravans, psychological support, and educational initiatives, midwives worked to address immediate health concerns and prepare for future crises.
In conclusion, the proactive measures undertaken by AMSF midwives, supported by ICM and Direct Relief, have significantly contributed to the healthcare needs of earthquake-affected communities in Morocco. Their commitment not only to provide medical assistance but also to foster mental health support proves essential in rebuilding these communities. As they prepare for future emergencies through enhanced training and advocacy, the resilience and dedication of these midwives will undoubtedly pave the way for a stronger, healthier future.
Original Source: internationalmidwives.org
