Building Regional Cooperation: The Midwives Alliance of Asia

The Midwives Alliance of Asia (MAA), supported by the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM), hosted its first-ever Strategic Directions Meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan. This three-day event was a significant milestone for midwifery across Asia, bringing together key stakeholders to shape the future of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) in the region.
Led by Dr. Rafat Jan, Associate Dean of Outreach & Policy at AKU-SONAM and President of the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP), the meeting saw participation from delegations across 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Yemen.

A Unified Effort for Midwifery
The meeting focused on developing a strategic direction for MAA. This collaboration marked the first step toward a unified approach to improving midwifery practices across Asia. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions to identify three key priority areas for the alliance: communication and collaboration, advocacy, and research capacity. These focus areas align closely with the mission and vision of MAA, setting the stage for sustained progress in midwifery education, leadership, and research across the region.
Communication and Collaboration: This priority aims to enhance midwifery education, regulation, and leadership through improved communication and cooperation among MAA members. The initiative also focuses on adapting and adopting global and regional SRMNCAH guidelines.
Advocacy: MAA will strengthen its advocacy efforts to promote professional midwifery cadres and improve SRMNCAH service quality across the region.
Research Capacity: Another priority is enhancing the ability of midwives and midwifery faculty to conduct, implement, and publish research to advance SRMNCAH services.
The Importance of Regional Cooperation
The event marks a major step forward for midwifery in Asia, creating a space for regional collaboration and setting a clear path for ongoing cooperation. The Midwives Alliance of Asia (MAA) believes that formulating a strategic plan with a strong alliance of midwifery leaders from across South and Southeast Asia and the Gulf States, where there is a shared cultural and professional landscape, allows for more effective efforts to strengthen midwifery. By bringing together experts who understand the specific challenges of the region, this collaboration ensures that future initiatives will directly address the needs of those working in the field. Dr. Rafat Jan highlighted the importance of this cooperation, saying, “Every participant shared valuable ideas that will help guide future collaboration across the region.”
Looking Ahead
The meeting set a solid foundation for future collaboration between countries in Asia, with participants committed to advancing midwifery practices through focused strategies and coordinated efforts. By tackling the most pressing constraints and opportunities within the region, the alliance aims to make a lasting impact on SRMNCAH.
For more information, visit the Midwives Alliance of Asia website.
This story was submitted by the Midwifery Association of Pakistan, an ICM member association, through our webpage. If you have a story to share or wish to submit an update about midwifery initiatives in your country, click on the button below.