The State of the World's Midwifery 2021
2021
This report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) focuses on the global state of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) in 194 countries, with special attention to trends in midwifery since the first baseline report in 2011. According to the report, there is presently a global shortage of 1.1 million SRMNAH workers, the largest shortage being midwives (900,000). Based on available data, the current workforce could meet only 75% of global SRMNAH needs—in low-income countries, only 41% of needs can be met.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized more than ever the crucial need to invest in primary health care, of which midwives are a cornerstone. Though trained and supported midwives can provide 90% of SRMNAH care, they only make up 10% of the current workforce. The report highlights four key investments required to enable midwives to reach their potential: healthcare workforce planning, management, and regulation; high-quality education and training; midwife-led improvements to service deliver; and midwifery leadership and governance.
The report is accompanied by an executive summary, a summary video, a data visualization, a fact sheet, technical appendices, and two supplementary white papers on populations more vulnerable to being left behind.
The State of the World's Midwifery 2021
Source:
The State of the World’s Midwifery 2021. United Nations Population Fund 2021. https://www.unfpa.org/publications/sowmy-2021.