Investing in Midwives: A Call for Health and Justice
In late 2019, the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25: Accelerating the Promise drew 8,300 people from 170 countries and territories. They made over 1,300 commitments to realise the landmark Programme of Action agreed to at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. The Summit’s Nairobi Statement offered 12 overarching global commitments to complete an unfinished ICPD agenda.
Since then, the High-Level Commission on the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Follow-up, an independent advisory body of accomplished experts from around the world, has monitored progress on the 12 commitments.
ICM is represented by our former president, Franka Cadee.
The 2023 High-Level Commission on the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 Follow-up report’s #1 recommendation is: Investing in Midwives for Health and Justice. They explain, “there can be no sexual and reproductive justice without midwives. These dedicated healthcare professionals make up less than 10% of the global sexual and reproductive health workforce yet provide a staggering 90% of essential services.”
Evidence overwhelmingly supports that universal access to midwives is paramount in ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths. However, health systems still marginalise and underinvest in them, leaving a global shortage of about 900,000 midwives. Gender discrimination persists in an almost entirely female profession, impacting pay, training opportunities, and working conditions.
We must advocate for a more just and equitable treatment of midwives and their clients by creating more leadership positions for them, particularly in Ministries of Health, gender equality, and finance. They deserve the respect and professional position that ensures improved healthcare services and opens doors to decent work for women.
The report is available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.