WHO Calls for Universal Midwife Access to Save Millions of Lives
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a powerful call to action, urging for the universal accessibility of midwives and highlighting their critical role in saving millions of lives globally. The organization’s appeal, published on June 18, 2025, emphasizes that investing in and expanding midwifery services is essential to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, particularly in regions facing significant healthcare challenges.
Midwives, the WHO asserts, are not simply birth attendants but skilled healthcare professionals who provide essential care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Their expertise extends to family planning, reproductive health, and the care of newborns and young children. By providing comprehensive, community-based care, midwives can significantly reduce preventable maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
The UN News report underscores that a shortage of skilled midwives is a major barrier to achieving universal health coverage and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. In many parts of the world, particularly low- and middle-income countries, women lack access to timely and quality care during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to tragic and avoidable deaths.
The WHO’s advocacy centers on the multifaceted impact of accessible midwifery. Firstly, it directly addresses the high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. Well-trained midwives are equipped to identify and manage obstetric complications, provide essential newborn resuscitation, and promote breastfeeding, all of which are vital for survival. Secondly, the organization points to the cost-effectiveness of investing in midwifery. Studies have consistently shown that strengthening midwifery services yields significant returns in terms of improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Furthermore, the WHO emphasizes that empowering midwives contributes to gender equality and strengthens health systems. By recognizing and supporting the vital work of midwives, societies can foster environments where women’s health and reproductive rights are respected and prioritized. This includes ensuring that midwives have access to adequate training, resources, supportive working environments, and integration into broader health systems.
The organization is calling on governments, policymakers, and international partners to prioritize investment in midwifery education, training, and the deployment of skilled birth attendants, especially in underserved areas. This includes fostering supportive policies that enable midwives to practice to their full scope of practice, as well as ensuring their fair remuneration and professional development.
The message from the WHO is clear and urgent: making midwives universally accessible is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a fundamental human right and a crucial strategy for building healthier, more equitable societies. By embracing and expanding the role of midwives, the global community can move closer to a future where every pregnancy and birth is safe, and every mother and child thrives.
Make midwives universally accessible and save millions of lives, WHO urges
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