Edna Adan Ismail describes herself as a #midwife and a #nurse first and foremost. When she says she was one of the first fully-licensed #midwives on the African continent back in the 1950's, you have to believe her. Because she is a legend in #globalhealth and #reproductivejustice circles, and she will be featured in my Jan. 2019 National Geographic feature on #maternalmortality . From the moment I captured my first image of Madame Edna, and noticed the picture of her with U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson just over her left shoulder, I knew I was witnessing living history. From her childhood in 1940's Hargeisa to her education in #Djibouti to midwifery training in #London , Madame Edna seemed destined to return to #Somalilland to advocate for women and girls. She has been a Minister of Family Welfare and a Foreign Minister. She has been a World Health Organization Representative. After leaving WHO, Madame Edna decided to build a hospital for pregnant women in a region with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Meeting Madame Edna changed my life. It taught me you're never too old to need #rolemodels , and that #passion and #purpose have no expiration date. #Africa #midwivesmatter #midwivessavelives #maternalhealth #reproductivehealth #childbirth …see more