8 midwives received awards from BAPZG on the occasion of Babinden

Eight midwives from various regions of Bulgaria received awards from BAPZG on the occasion of January 21 – Midwifery Day. This initiative is being implemented for the first time. Its goal is to provide recognition and motivate specialists who have dedicated their professional path to maternity care, the Association announced.

The awards were presented in four categories:
“Midwife of Tomorrow” – for the youngest practicing specialist;
“The Wisdom of Experience” – for the midwife with the longest professional tenure;
“Outstretched Hands” – for the midwife most frequently chosen for childbirth in 2025;
“Innovator” – for the introduction of new approaches, organizational solutions, or scientific contributions to maternity care.

The awardees were selected from 66 nominations proposed by 16 regional branches of the professional organization.

In the “Midwife of Tomorrow” category, awards were received by midwife Ivaylo Atanasov from Varna and midwife Plamena Kehayova from Smolyan.
In the “Wisdom of Experience” category, midwife Dora Mryanova from Plovdiv and midwife Dimitrinka Filoteeva-Stoeva from Haskovo were honored.
In the “Outstretched Hands” category, plaques were awarded to midwife Petya Nacheva from Montana and midwife Tomina Koeva-Yordanova from Pazardzhik.
In the “Innovator” category, awards were received by midwife Teodora Todorova from Shumen and midwife Olga Dukat from Sofia.

All other 58 nominated midwives were honored with certificates.

At the same time, the organization drew attention to the alarming trend of midwife shortages on a global scale. According to a report by the International Confederation of Midwives, the global deficit of these specialists reaches approximately 1 million. The study covers 181 countries, home to over 80% of women of reproductive age. Midwives provide about 90% of services related to sexual and reproductive health and the normal course of motherhood, making their shortage particularly critical.

BAPZG stands in solidarity with the call for urgent measures but notes a lack of significant action from the health authorities in Bulgaria. The organization reminds that its demands remain unaddressed regarding the expansion of the outpatient care package in child and maternal health, sustainable funding, and an increase in the remuneration of healthcare professionals to 150% of the average salary.

Nevertheless, BAPZG states that it will continue to advocate for the interests of healthcare professionals and patients in the country.