In a bid to foster impact in communities and drive the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, Credo Advisory, a development communications and PR consulting firm, has launched “Credo Voices,” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the stories of individuals.
The inaugural episode features Martha Agbornyenty, a Camerounian midwife whose relentless fight to reduce high maternal mortality rates and improve maternal health tackles SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.
The podcast, which is hosted by the Credo Advisory CEO, Awele Okigbo, was envisioned on the heels of the 2023 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers event. It aims to build a global community of change agents, shine a spotlight on their selfless acts and how their commitment to people, the planet, prosperity and peace, teaches that all human beings can be Goalkeepers.
Credo Voices premiere episode features Agbornyenty’s inspiring story, demonstrating that change often begins with a single voice, amplified by the chorus of those who dare to listen, learn and act. As a midwife whose dedication to reducing maternal mortality transcends the sterile walls of clinics, Agbornyenty’s story is not just one of medical expertise; it’s a story of empathy, empowerment and a fierce belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
Her journey began in a rural village, where the cries of childbirth mingled with the whispers of ancient traditions. Witnessing firsthand the struggles and vulnerabilities of women during pregnancy and childbirth ignited a spark within her.
“I saw women silenced, suffering in isolation. I knew I had to be their voice, their advocate,” she said.Driven by this unwavering resolve, she embarked on a path of education, defying societal expectations and carving her own space in a male-dominated field. The journey was arduous, paved with late nights, countless exams and the constant tug-of-war between duty and personal aspirations. But she persevered, fueled by the unwavering belief that every woman deserves access to quality healthcare and informed choices.
Back in Yaoundé, Agbornyenty’s clinic became a beacon of hope; not just for delivering healthy babies but also for fostering open conversations about maternal mortality rates – a topic often shrouded in silence and stigma. With a gentle touch and a listening ear, she demystifies myths, tackles taboos and empowers women to participate actively in their health journeys.
According to her, “when women understand their bodies, rights and options, they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.”
Agbornyenty’s impact extends far beyond the confines of her clinic. She sits with expectant mothers in their homes, dispelling harmful beliefs about pregnancy complications and advocating for early prenatal care. Her tireless efforts improve maternal and child health indicators and instill a sense of agency and self-worth in countless women.
Through the commitment of midwives like Agbornyenty’s, “Midwifery: Knowledge, Skills and Practices” has been added by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Intergovernmental Committee endorsed this decision, which was suggested by Colombia, Cyprus, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Slovenia and Togo during its annual conference held in Botswana on December 6, 2023.
This designation recognises midwives as vital healthcare professionals whose expertise, abilities and methods save lives and enhance the health of expectant mothers and newborns globally. It also confirms the necessity of promoting the practice’s preservation and the profession’s significance in culture.
