How many midwives are needed to prevent maternal deaths?

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Approximately One Million Midwives Are Needed Globally to Significantly Reduce Maternal and Newborn Deaths

Closing the current global deficit of nearly one million midwives could prevent two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths. This shortfall is particularly acute in the Asia and Pacific region, where there is a need for 200,000 additional midwives. Addressing this shortage is identified as a critical and cost-effective strategy to end preventable maternal and newborn mortality, especially in the context of increasing climate-related disasters.
Global Midwife Shortage Exceeds 900,000

The world currently faces a significant shortage of skilled midwives, with the global deficit estimated at close to one million professionals. This lack of adequate midwifery personnel is a key factor contributing to preventable maternal and newborn deaths, underscoring the urgent need for increased investment in midwifery education, training, and deployment.
Asia and Pacific Region Faces Substantial Deficit

Within the Asia and Pacific region alone, there is a documented shortage of 200,000 midwives. This figure highlights the substantial need for more trained birth attendants in a region where 66,000 women die annually from pregnancy or childbirth complications. The presence of more midwives in these areas is crucial for providing essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services.
Midwives Crucial for Preventing Two-Thirds of Deaths

Research indicates that by closing the existing deficit in the number of midwives, the global community could prevent up to two-thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths. This preventative capacity is especially vital as climate disasters become more frequent, placing additional strain on healthcare systems and women's access to care during childbirth.
Midwifery as a Cost-Effective Solution

Facilitating universal access to skilled midwives is presented as a strategic and highly cost-efficient investment for ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Midwives are capable of providing approximately 90 percent of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services, making them indispensable frontline healthcare providers, particularly in low-resource and hard-to-reach communities.

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How many midwives are needed to prevent maternal deaths?

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