Midwives4all Award Uganda

The award goes to Rose Aciro for her hard work and relentless determination that have helped to reduce maternal and infant mortality at Lira Hospital in Uganda.

Rose is an experienced midwife and has been working at Lira Regional Referral Hospital since receiving her diploma in midwifery in 2010. Before that, she worked as a nurse for 15 years, first in Apac and then in Lira. Alongside her work, Rose has been a diligent student. After earning a certificate and a diploma in nursing, she earned a diploma in midwifery, and most recently a diploma in health administration. Rose is an inspiring role model for lifelong learning and her story showcases the enormous benefits of investing in midwifery.

Rose Aciro has a strong commitment to training students. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with a new generation of midwives for the benefit of mothers, children and families in Lira and beyond. Rose is a strong advocate for maternal and infant health.

The Embassy of Sweden in Uganda will soon pay Rose a visit at Lira Regional Referral Hospital to present her with the award and recognise her outstanding contribution to the community that she serves.

Although maternal and infant mortality rates have dropped by half since 1990, about 800 women still die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications around the world every day. Of these, 99 per cent are women and girls in developing countries. Nearly 3 million newborns die each year and 2.6 million babies are still-born.

The midwives4all award is part of midwives4all.org, a campaign launched by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to create engagement and increase international recognition of midwifery skills. Sweden is convinced that supporting midwifery-led care is a smart investment.

The Lancet Series on Midwifery points out that two thirds of mothers and newborn babies who die could be saved if a well-trained midwife was present at the birth.