Midwife shortage a pressing challenge for Pakistan
KARACHI: As Pakistan joins the global community in marking the
International Day of the Midwives on May 5, calls are growing to address a
critical shortage of skilled birth attendants, with experts terming investment
in midwifery as one of the most effective pathways to reducing maternal and
newborn deaths.
This year’s
theme, set by the International Confederation of
Midwives — “One million more midwives”
— underscores a stark global reality. While nearly 1.7 million midwives are
currently registered worldwide, an additional 980,000 are needed to meet
essential maternal and newborn health demands. The potential gains are
significant: scaling up midwifery care could help save an estimated 4.3 million
lives annually by 2035.
Despite this, Pakistan continues to face
serious gaps in skilled care. According to the International
Confederation of Midwives, midwives — trained to provide essential
services during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period — are authorised
to perform four of the seven basic emergency obstetric and newborn care
(BEmONC) signal functions, along with offering all five modern methods of
contraception. Yet their numbers and support systems remain insufficient.
Dr Luay Shabaneh
In a message
ahead of the day, Dr Luay Shabaneh,
Country Representative of the United Nations
Population Fund, highlighted the central role midwives play in
safeguarding lives, particularly in rural and underserved communities where
they are often the first and most trusted point of care. “Their presence
transforms childbirth from a moment of risk into a moment of safety, dignity
and hope,” he said.
Health experts
say that strengthening the midwifery workforce could dramatically change these
outcomes. Evidence shows that well-trained and adequately supported midwives
can deliver most essential maternal and newborn health services, reduce
complications, and ensure timely referrals when needed. Beyond health benefits,
such investments can ease the burden on hospitals, lower emergency care costs
and contribute to broader social and economic development.
The United
Nations Population Fund has urged Pakistan to seize the opportunity to expand
midwifery education and strengthen workforce development. This includes scaling
up degree programmes, improving training standards, and ensuring deployment in
high-need areas. Integrating midwives fully into the health system — with clear
career pathways, legal protection and leadership roles — is also seen as
critical.
“Access to
skilled midwifery care is a fundamental right. No woman should lose her life
while giving life,” Dr Shabaneh stressed, reaffirming UNFPA’s commitment to
supporting Pakistan in this effort.
As the country observes this year’s International Day of the Midwives, the evidence — echoed by the International Confederation of Midwives and the United Nations Population Fund — points to high stakes. Bridging the midwifery gap is not only a health imperative but a development priority, with the potential to save thousands of lives each year and strengthen families and communities across Pakistan.
— IV News Desk
Infographics and illustrations courtesy: ICM
File photo courtesy: UN
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