Posted on: Wed 01-11-2017

The Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Health has approved a post of Chief Midwife (free-staff) in the Ministry to ensure strong presence and voice for the midwifery profession as well as active participation during policy discussions. Nazgul Shadybekova was nominated as the first Chief Midwife by the Kyrgyzstan Midwifery Association (KMA). Prior to the establishment of this post, all midwifery activities were overseen by the Chief Nurse. The KMA contributed tremendously in developing the job description for this post which was filled in September. This development has come as part of the Midwifery Services Framework (MSF) implementation to strengthen the midwifery services in the country

This position is very important for strengthening of comprehensive midwifery services in Kyrgyzstan. The KMA has developed into an independent, respected association whose experts are drawn upon as resources at the national level. As a result of sustained capacity building support, KMA has now greater ability to advocate for quality midwifery services and to represent midwives’ interests in the country, including through the MSF process. The association has also emerged as reliable partner for the Ministry of Health and development partners working in the field of maternal and child health. 

Nazgul Shadybekova was born and raised in Kerben in Jalal-Abad oblast city of Kyrgyzstan. After graduating in 2001 from Mailuu - Suuy Medical College, she began her career in the maternity ward of the territorial hospital in Kerben. For 5 years Nazgul worked independently in the maternity ward because there was no obstetrician-gynecologist in Kerben. This experience made her to acquire good practical knowledge and skills.

Since 2006 Nazgul has been working as a midwife and was later appointed as senior midwife in Clinical Maternity Hospital in Bishkek. Moreover, she is a national certified trainer in the following programs: "Primary newborns resuscitation", "Helping Babies Breath", "Effective Perinatal Care", "Emergency obstetrics care", "Essential Care for Every Baby", "Essential Care for Small Baby" and provides practical and theoretical trainings to her colleagues.

The board of the KMA would like to express their deep gratitude to all national and development partners in supporting the professional association.

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