The State of the world’s midwifery: why midwives are key to saving mothers and newborns
Improving maternal and newborn health continues to be a global priority, and midwives play a vital role in achieving this goal. The State of the World’s Midwifery (SoWMy) report, developed by organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund, World Health Organization, and the International Confederation of Midwives, highlights the importance of strengthening midwifery services worldwide. While earlier reports provided baseline insights, their core message remains relevant today: improving access to skilled midwifery care is essential for saving lives.
Progress in Maternal and Newborn Health
Over the past few decades, global efforts have led to a reduction in maternal and newborn deaths. However, the numbers remain high, with hundreds of thousands of women and millions of newborns still dying each year due to preventable causes. Many of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare services is limited. This ongoing challenge highlights the need for continued investment in maternal health services.
The Role of Skilled Midwives
Midwives are central to improving maternal and newborn outcomes. They provide essential services including antenatal care, safe delivery support, and postnatal care. Their training enables them to detect complications early and take appropriate action, making them one of the most effective healthcare professionals in reducing mortality. In many underserved communities, midwives are the primary providers of maternal healthcare.
Challenges Facing Midwifery Services
Despite their importance, midwifery services face several challenges. These include shortages of trained professionals, unequal distribution of healthcare workers, limited access to facilities, and insufficient funding. Social and cultural barriers also prevent many women from accessing care. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare organizations, and global partners.
Key Areas for Improvement
The SoWMy framework emphasizes four key areas needed to strengthen midwifery services: availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of care. Ensuring enough trained midwives are available, making services accessible to all women, providing culturally appropriate care, and maintaining high clinical standards are essential steps toward improving outcomes.
The Future of Midwifery in Global Health
Midwives will continue to play a crucial role in achieving global health goals, including universal health coverage. Strengthening the midwifery workforce through education, policy support, and investment is essential for building resilient healthcare systems. By improving midwifery services, countries can significantly reduce preventable deaths and ensure better health outcomes for mothers and newborns worldwide.
While earlier reports such as the 2014 State of the World’s Midwifery provided valuable insights, updated reports and resources are now available through global health organizations. Readers are encouraged to explore current data and recommendations through official platforms.
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