The World Health Organization (WHO) called on all countries to prioritize quality, continuous, and respectful midwifery care for every woman and baby.
Strengthening the role of midwives is critical because these professionals are often under-utilized despite being vital for safe maternal and newborn care. Improving access to these services can reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes globally.
The appeal coincided with International Day of the Midwife, observed May 5, 2024 [1]. The WHO said member states should ensure that quality midwifery is available for all mothers and newborns to ensure safer births.
The need for such interventions is underscored by the prevalence of preventable tragedies. It is estimated that a woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related causes every two minutes [3].
Regional efforts illustrate the impact of targeted health interventions. In 2021, CMMB Kenya reached 5,222 pregnant women [2] and 23,557 children under five [2]. These figures highlight how structured health systems can expand the reach of essential care to vulnerable populations.
Challenges remain in regions where women's health is not prioritized. An unnamed Afghan midwife said, "No one prioritizes women's lives" [0]. Such gaps in care contribute to the disparity in maternal survival rates across different nations.
The WHO said respectful care is not merely a preference but a necessity for safe delivery. By integrating midwives more deeply into national health strategies, countries can move toward a system where quality care is a standard rather than a privilege [1].
“No one prioritizes women's lives.”
The WHO's push for standardized midwifery care highlights a systemic failure to utilize existing healthcare personnel to combat maternal mortality. By framing midwifery as a cornerstone of public health rather than a secondary service, the organization is pushing member states to shift funding and policy toward community-based, respectful care to close the gap in global health equity.
