Under the directives of Sheikha Fatima, the Red Crescent launches the “Bridge of Hope” initiative to train midwives in several countries worldwide
Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent “Mother of the Nation,” the Emirates Red Crescent, in collaboration with the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women and Etihad Airways, has launched the “Bridge of Hope” initiative. This initiative aims to train midwives in several countries, including Mauritania, Kenya, and Mali, to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in communities facing health challenges.
The initiative was inaugurated at the “Mbera” refugee camp in Mauritania in the presence of His Excellency Sidi Ould Zahaf, Mauritanian Minister of Health; Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent; several officials from both sides; and partners of the initiative.
The initiative is being implemented with the Mauritanian Ministry of Health, the UAE Embassy in Nouakchott, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Volunteers, and the Midwives Association in Nouakchott.
The program is set to benefit around 90,000 women in the camp and nearby villages. Midwives will be selected from women within the camp and surrounding areas and trained under the supervision of the Mauritanian Ministry of Health and a group of specialist doctors in obstetrics and gynecology. The initiative’s scope is planned to expand to include other countries facing similar health challenges in the future.
This initiative reflects the ongoing efforts of the Emirates Red Crescent, the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, and Etihad Airways to alleviate the suffering of refugee women, improve their health and living conditions, and meet their essential needs amid harsh refugee circumstances.
The initiative also embodies the UAE’s commitment to supporting those affected by crises and disasters worldwide without discrimination or considering non-humanitarian factors.
Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, emphasized that the initiatives led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in the field of motherhood and childhood provide essential care for mothers and children in regions lacking such services. She noted that Her Highness closely monitors the conditions of marginalized women and children affected by crises and disasters globally and consistently directs efforts to address the challenges and threats they face by adopting more developmental programs and projects that enhance their capabilities and improve their lives.
Dr. Al Shamsi further highlighted that Her Highness’s initiatives contribute to global efforts to reduce the suffering of women and children, providing innovative solutions to ensure better living conditions for them. She remarked, “The international community greatly values the support and assistance provided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima to women and children, as they are the most vulnerable and impacted by crises and disasters.” She affirmed that the “Bridge of Hope” project will ensure better healthcare for refugee women, thus reducing mortality rates among pregnant women and newborns.
Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, stated that this initiative reflects Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s commitment to enhancing essential services for women, particularly refugee women who bear the most significant burden during complex journeys of displacement. He added that Her Highness’s initiatives through the Red Crescent strengthen the organization’s ability to undertake projects that address development and reconstruction in countries facing significant humanitarian and developmental challenges plagued by poverty and deprivation.
Dr. Al Falahi also highlighted that Her Highness has always supported the Red Crescent’s humanitarian activities strongly, emphasizing that her patronage of charitable and humanitarian organizations reflects her dedication to instilling values of generosity and encouraging societal contributions for the betterment of others.
The initiative aims to reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with pregnancy and childbirth in refugee communities, improve access to quality maternity care in camps, increase the number of trained care providers for pregnant women by training 30 young women from refugee communities, and create a link between the community and nearby health facilities. It also ensures optimal follow-up for women after hospital discharge, raises community health awareness, and promotes the best maternal and child healthcare practices. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal for 2030, which aims to reduce neonatal mortality to less than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The UAE initiative has been well-received by refugees and Mauritanian authorities, who have expressed gratitude for the UAE’s noble humanitarian stance towards both the Mauritanian people and refugees on their land. They acknowledged that such initiatives strengthen the Mauritanian government’s efforts to uplift rural communities and advance local development.
Officials at the “Mbera” refugee camp praised the UAE’s support and the generosity of its people in assisting their fellow humans in need.
