Midwives play an indispensable role in global healthcare, providing up to 90% of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services. From safely delivering babies to assisting survivors of sexual violence, midwives are often the first and only line of defense for vulnerable women and newborns.
Despite their critical role, these frontline workers face severe challenges due to substantial funding cuts from the United Nations.
A STARK REALITY: MATERNAL DEATHS IN CRISIS ZONES
Each year, about three-quarters of all maternal deaths occur in just 25 countries. These countries are predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In crisis settings, where access to health services is disrupted, midwives become life-saving responders. The risk of death during pregnancy or childbirth doubles for women in these high-risk areas.
The current funding crisis is exacerbating this dire situation. The UNFPA, a key agency supporting midwifery services, has been forced to scale back its programs. By 2025, the agency will only be able to fund 47% of the planned 3,521 midwives. This funding cut will affect eight affected countries.
MIDWIVES: THE LIFELINE IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
In the face of conflict, disaster, and fragile healthcare systems, midwives serve as the backbone of maternal healthcare. Women in crisis zones often lose access to essential maternity services, and midwives are frequently the first responders. “Midwives save lives,” says Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA. These healthcare professionals provide more than just delivery services. They also offer critical care to women suffering from sexual violence. Additionally, they assist with other reproductive health challenges.
The UNFPA’s support for midwives includes training, providing essential supplies, and, in some cases, facilitating transportation for mobile health clinics. Yet, due to funding reductions, these vital services are now at risk. UNFPA emphasizes that midwives play an indispensable role. This is especially true during times of crisis and system breakdowns, particularly during International Day of the Midwife.
THE RISING THREAT OF FUNDING CUTS
The global midwifery workforce is already facing a severe shortage, with an estimated shortfall of nearly one million midwives worldwide. This shortage and funding cuts directly affect maternal and newborn health outcomes. The impact is especially severe in conflict zones and fragile contexts. Death rates among women and newborns are on the rise in areas where healthcare systems are collapsing.
“We’re lacking everything, from blood bags to medicines,” says Fabrice Bishenge, Director of Kyeshero General Hospital in eastern DR Congo. “With the support of UNFPA and other partners, we can still provide services – but for how long?” This reflects the deepening crisis faced by healthcare workers and patients in these areas.
Currently, deaths during childbirth in conflict and fragile settings account for a staggering 60% of global maternal deaths. The escalating funding cuts threaten to worsen this already dire situation. In Yemen, for example, over 590,000 women of childbearing age are projected to lose access to midwifery services.
THE LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL MIDWIFERY ACCELERATOR
In response to this urgent crisis, UNFPA and its partners recently launched the Global Midwifery Accelerator. This is an initiative designed to scale up midwife-led care in countries with the highest maternal mortality rates. This coordinated effort aims to strengthen health systems. It focuses particularly on fragile and conflict-affected areas. Additionally, it offers a cost-effective roadmap to save lives.
The initiative underscores the importance of expanding access to midwife-led care. This expansion could prevent up to two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths. It also highlights the potential to reduce healthcare costs and increase workforce productivity through improved maternal health services.
AN URGENT CALL FOR SUPPORT
In light of the current funding crisis, UNFPA has made an urgent call for greater investment in midwifery. Increased funding, training, and advocacy are critical to ensuring that midwives can continue to provide essential care. Without these resources, countless women and newborns will remain at risk of preventable deaths.
The international community must prioritize midwifery support, particularly in regions where maternal mortality rates are highest. With the right investments, midwives can significantly reduce maternal and newborn deaths globally. They can also strengthen healthcare systems in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
A LIFELINE AT RISK
Midwives are vital to global health, especially in regions affected by conflict and crises. However, funding cuts to UN programs threaten to undermine their ability to deliver life-saving care. Immediate action is needed to ensure that midwives can continue their critical work, preventing unnecessary deaths and improving maternal health outcomes worldwide.
