UNFPA Calls for Investment in One Million Midwives to Reduce Maternal and Newborn Deaths
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that investing in the training and deployment of one million additional midwives worldwide is the most effective measure to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The agency said that strengthening the midwifery workforce could directly save the lives of millions of women and newborns.
According to the organization, increasing the number of midwives expands women’s access to prenatal care, safe childbirth, and postnatal support services. Midwives play a vital role in monitoring maternal health during pregnancy, managing labor, and preventing dangerous complications.
Health experts emphasize that in many countries, especially in low-income and vulnerable communities, the shortage of trained midwives is a leading cause of preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
In Afghanistan, this appeal comes amid a serious shortage of female healthcare workers. The educational restrictions imposed by the Taliban administration on girls and women have raised concerns about the future training of midwives and other female health staff, a situation that could further limit women’s access to essential healthcare services.
