A Symposium on the Role of Midwives in the Fight for Climate Change was Held.
Published Date: 07.05.2024
Within the scope of 21-28 April National Midwives Week and 5 May World Midwives Day Activities, the "Symposium on the Role of the Midwife in the Struggle for Climate Change" was held online on 2 May 2024 by the Midwifery Department of our Faculty.
The symposium was opened by Assoc. Prof. Head of the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Hacer YALNIZ DİLCEN and Balıkesir University Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Assoc. Dr. It was performed by Hülya TÜRKMEN. In his speech, Mr. DİLCEN said, “Midwives play an important role in the fight against climate change. “They can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future by raising awareness about maternal and infant health, protecting mothers and babies from the effects of climate change, and promoting sustainable maternal and infant care practices.” Assoc. Prof. concluded his speech by saying: Dr. He directed it to Hülya TÜRKMEN. Mr. TÜRKMEN said, “Climate change is one of today's most important global problems. This complex problem has many negative consequences, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity. “The effects of climate change affect all people, but the risk is higher for the most vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, and babies.” He emphasized the importance of the subject and invited speakers.
At the event, Assoc. Prof., one of the faculty members of Konya Selçuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery. Dr. Bihter AKIN made an interesting presentation on “2024 ICM Theme Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution”. Mr. AKIN started his speech by "talking about the importance of the critical role that midwives can play in the fight against climate change" and moved on to his presentation. The presentation stated that midwives can contribute to babies' healthy birth and healthy growth by providing information and guidance to mothers and fathers about sustainable lifestyles and healthy pregnancy practices.
The event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery. Dr. It continued with Aysel BÜLEZ's presentation "Climate Change and Pregnancy." In his presentation, Mr. BÜLEZ examined the potential negative effects of climate change on pregnancy and birth. The presentation stated that factors related to climate change, such as air pollution, extreme temperatures, and water scarcity, may increase risks such as pregnancy complications, premature birth, and low birth weight. The event, which attracted great interest from academicians, midwives, nurses, and students, ended with answering the participants' questions.