The United Nations Population Fund in Afghanistan (UNFPA), on the occasion of the International Day of the Midwife, has announced that in order to save the lives of mothers and newborns, one million more midwives need to be trained.
The organization wrote on its X account today (Tuesday, May 5) that the most effective way to save mothers’ and newborns’ lives is to invest in the education and training of midwives.
According to the organization, midwives play a vital role in expanding women’s access to antenatal care, safe childbirth, and postnatal support.
Previously, UNFPA had stated that Afghanistan needs around 18,000 midwives to meet women’s healthcare needs.
International organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about Afghanistan’s high maternal and newborn mortality rates, which remain among the highest in the world.
International Day of the Midwife is observed every year on May 5 to highlight the vital role of midwives in healthcare systems worldwide. The day emphasizes the importance of midwifery services in reducing maternal and newborn mortality, providing prenatal care, ensuring safe childbirth, and offering postnatal support.
