PURPOSE:
To address the low engagement of Ghanaian midwives in professional associations aligned with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), and to propose a digital solution—MyMidwifeICM—that fosters connection, education, and leadership among midwives in Ghana and also in other interested countries.

DISCUSSION:
Although midwives are central to maternal and newborn health, their professional associations in Ghana are underutilized. This under-participation undermines collective advocacy, weakens alignment with global midwifery standards, and reduces the influence and visibility of the profession. Several systemic barriers contribute to this disconnect: - Limited awareness of association benefits - Generational divide in engagement and leadership - Cumbersome membership processes - Lack of visibility on real-world impact of associations - Digital exclusion, including poor communication infrastructure - No formal orientation to associations within training programs To address these issues, we propose a hybrid strategy that combines grassroots engagement and leadership development with an innovative digital platform.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
ICM reports and global maternal health strategies underline the importance of professional associations for advancing standards of care and workforce development. - Studies on digital health interventions show increased professional engagement, especially when tools are adapted for local context and usability.

KEY MESSAGE:
Key Message MyMidwifeICM is a purpose-built mobile application designed to serve as a creative, interactive professional space for Ghanaian midwives. It offers: One-click ICM registration and renewal Digital CPD modules and certification tracking Live virtual meetings, webinars, and mentoring sessions Discussion forums for knowledge sharing and case-based learning Integrated event calendars and push notifications User-friendly design for low-bandwidth settings Localized content tailored to Ghanaian policies and practice More than a tech solution, MyMidwifeICM is a bridge between isolated practice and collective empowerment. When paired with in-person initiatives like incorporating association awareness into curricula and strengthening regional leadership structures, this can revitalize Ghana’s midwifery associations and connect every midwife to a broader professional movement. Poster session 3 (Group B)