Malawi midwife suspended over labour ward selfie

A nurse in Malawi has been suspended pending further investigation after a selfie of her in a labour ward was posted on social media.

The selfie was widely shared provoking an uproar.

Malawians on social media have since called on authorities to fire the nurse saying her actions are shameful and could discourage pregnant women from going to hospital.

“The innocent expectant woman at that back is not even aware that a photo of her naked body is being taken. What kind of a medical professional would insult a fellow woman and the nation at large in this way? Is this how we celebrate the use of modern technology in Malawi? Now when pregnant women prefer to go to traditional birth attendance will they be wrong?” asked one social media user.

Joshua Malango, public relations officer for Malawi's Ministry of Health, said the photo was shocking.

But he said the case had been referred to the Nurses' Council, which was investigating to see who took and circulated the photo.