Aruba Parliament addresses urgent midwife shortage

The Special Committee on Sustainable Development Goals of the Parliament of Aruba, led by Chairperson Ruthlyn Victoria Lindor, is addressing a critical shortage of midwives. The island has seen the number of midwives drop from eight to four, with projections suggesting the count could fall to just three by September 2027.

Lindor emphasized the need for proactive leadership to prevent a crisis, noting that the issue impacts the health and safety of mothers and infants. The situation is linked to several Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Minister of Public Health, Dr. Melvin Wyatt Ras, has expressed a willingness to work toward a sustainable solution. Discussions are expected to involve the AZV to examine financial, contractual, and organizational aspects, as well as the Midwives Association. One proposed model involves sharing knowledge, infrastructure, and operational costs while maintaining individual professional responsibilities.