In the heart of Hela Province, Papua New Guinea, 25-year-old Gilbert Gei is leading a vital mission. He now manages the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit at Magarima District Hospital, but his journey to this role began not in a classroom, but at the delivery bed. 

Two years ago, when the hospital’s only midwife passed away, Gilbert, though inexperienced, stepped in to help with the deliveries.  “The lone midwife we had at our district hospital, unfortunately, passed away and there was a huge void that she left,” said Mr Gei. “I was doing a midwife's job with no technical knowledge and proper skills. I knew from my heart that I had to become a midwife because there were so many mothers and babies dependent on me.”

This experience inspired him to pursue formal training, setting him on a path that would change his life and improve maternal healthcare in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote areas.

Gilbert and 9 other students were awarded fully funded midwifery scholarships by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2023. The scholarship covered the PGK 37,000 (about USD 9,750) tuition fee for their 18-month training, helping them become fully qualified midwives.

On January 16, 10 students graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Midwifery from the University of Goroka. Among them, Mr. Gilbert Gei stood out for his outstanding performance. He was honored with the Midwifery Leadership Award for the 2023-2024 cohort and earned second runner-up for the university’s Academic Award.

“I was lucky enough to be sponsored to attain my degree. Personally, I knew that excelling in my studies and giving my best was the only way I could show my gratitude to UNFPA for the scholarship given to me. To show UNFPA that their support for my studies is not a mistake but an investment.”

“I have a deep passion and commitment to maternal health and supporting mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and after childbirth . My dream is becoming reality because of the  support received from donors such as UNFPA, and I am indeed grateful, ” Gilbert shared.

Gilbert, the only male recipient of the midwifery scholarship, was recognised for his leadership and academic excellence, earning a Grade Point Average of 4.3. He was honored with the Midwifery Leadership Award, according to Sr. Clerah Goveh, the University of Goroka Midwifery School Coordinator.

“We are incredibly proud of all 10 graduates,” Sr. Goveh said. “They have all returned to their healthcare centers, including remote facilities in the Highlands, to continue providing essential services to mothers and babies.”

She also expressed gratitude to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its continued support. 

“UNFPA’s assistance has significantly strengthened the midwifery workforce, helping to increase supervised deliveries, provide family planning services, and deliver postnatal care and immunizations. On behalf of the School of Midwifery at Goroka, we thank you.”

In 2023, UNFPA awarded 10 scholarships to midwifery students at the University of Goroka as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce maternal deaths in Papua New Guinea.