Strengthening Midwifery in Humanitarian and Fragile Settings

Humanitarian emergencies place women, newborns and health systems under severe pressure. While global maternal and newborn mortality has declined in recent decades, progress has largely stalled in countries affected by conflict, displacement and climate-related emergencies. These countries represent only 13% of the global population, yet account for 58% of maternal deaths, 39% of newborn deaths and 41% of stillbirths worldwide.

Midwives are essential in these settings. As trusted, community-based providers, they often continue delivering care when health systems are under strain and access to services is disrupted. Midwives can provide around 90% of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health interventions. Yet many midwives working in humanitarian and fragile settings do so without the recognition, resources, protection and support they need.

Climate change is adding further pressure. Extreme weather, displacement, damaged infrastructure and interrupted supply chains are affecting access to maternity and SRMNAH services, especially in communities already facing barriers to care.

Investing in midwives is one of the most effective ways to protect women and newborns in any crisis. Fully resourcing midwife-delivered care by 2035 could avert 67% of maternal deaths, 64% of newborn deaths and 65% of stillbirths, saving an estimated 4.3 million lives each year.

ICM’s five-year strategic partnership with the International Rescue Committee reflects a shared commitment to ensuring midwives are recognised, supported and equipped to deliver quality care from the onset of a crisis through to recovery.