This is if midwifery care were universally accessible and aligned with international standards.

In a recently released on Wednesday, the WHO called for greater investment in midwifery, describing it as one of the most effective ways to improve maternal and newborn health across the globe.

“Expanding and investing in midwifery models of care is one of the most effective strategies to improve maternal and newborn health globally,” said Dr Anshu Banerjee, WHO’s Director for Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing.

Midwifery care, according to the report, offers a personalised, culturally sensitive approach that covers the entire continuum of care, from reproductive and sexual health to pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care. This model is particularly critical in rural, underserved or conflict-affected areas where access to hospitals or advanced medical facilities is limited.

“Skilled midwives help women trust in their bodies, their abilities and their care, ensuring women are consistently part of decision making and have access to the information they need,” said Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi, a midwifery expert at WHO.

The report also addresses growing concerns about the over-medicalisation of childbirth, with WHO noting that midwives offer a more respectful, physiological and woman-centred approach to maternity care.

“In a world where childbirth is increasingly medicalised, \[midwives] offer a person-centred evidence-based approach that respects the physiological process of birth, restores dignity and autonomy to maternity care,” said Anna Ugglas, Chief Executive of the International Confederation of Midwives.

However, there remains a global shortage of around one million midwives. The report highlights that tackling this gap will require coordinated action across multiple sectors, including health, education and community mobilisation.

One promising example is Morocco, where the National Midwives’ association launched an awareness campaign that led to the first legislative definition of midwifery in 2016.

“Midwifery models of care are not just smart solutions, they are a necessity,” said Ugglas.

--UN/ChannelAfrica--