Nouakchott: The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee has introduced a midwifery and reproductive health training programme at the Mbera Camp in Mauritania. This initiative is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who holds several leadership roles, including Chairwoman of the General Women's Union and Honourary President of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC).
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the ERC, the Mauritanian Ministry of Health, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the National Higher School of Health Sciences, and the Union of Mauritanian Academics and Intellectuals. The six-month initiative aims to enhance awareness of maternal and reproductive health among refugees, training qualified participants to deliver comprehensive care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Graduates of the programme will receive certificates accredited by the Mauritanian Ministry of Health, recognizing them as midwifery practitioners. The training covers topics such as reproductive and mental health awareness, health education, maternal and child nutrition, and reproductive rights.
Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee, highlighted the programme's response to the increasing need for maternal and child healthcare in refugee communities. She emphasized that participants will receive practical training under the supervision of reproductive health experts to meet international humanitarian and medical standards.
Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, ERC Secretary-General, remarked that the programme embodies Sheikha Fatima's vision to enhance healthcare and social support systems for women, especially those facing severe challenges due to displacement. He described the initiative as a comprehensive humanitarian response aimed at supporting maternal and newborn health and reducing mortality rates through preventive and postnatal care.
Al Mazrouei further noted that Sheikha Fatima's initiatives serve as a model for empowering women and safeguarding vulnerable groups via innovative, sustainable solutions. He affirmed that the Red Crescent will continue collaborating with national and international partners to extend healthcare services for refugee mothers and children, while also promoting health awareness in vulnerable communities.