MWAN Calls for Increased Investment in Midwifery to Reduce Maternal Mortality

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

he Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter, has called for increased investment in midwifery services as part of efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

The President-Elect of the association in the state, Dr Kaltume Shu’aibu, made the call in an interview to mark the 2026 International Day of the Midwife, celebrated annually on May 5.

She said the day is set aside globally to highlight the critical role midwives play in safeguarding the health of mothers and newborns, while also advocating improved working conditions, training, and recruitment of more midwives.

According to her, this year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives: Strengthening Frontline Care to End PPH,” underscores the urgent need to expand the midwifery workforce as a strategy to reduce maternal mortality, particularly from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which remains a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide.

Dr Shu’aibu noted that despite their essential contributions, there is still a global shortage of about 980,000 midwives, a gap she said continues to limit access to life-saving maternal healthcare services.

She added that many midwives operate under challenging conditions and are often unable to fully utilize their skills due to systemic constraints.

The MWAN official explained that the 2026 commemoration serves as a call to action for governments, development partners, and stakeholders to invest more in midwifery education, recruitment, regulation, and leadership.
She further disclosed that through its AIM MNCNH Project, MWAN is using the occasion to promote improved frontline care and advocate the adoption of the E-MOTIVE strategy, a World Health Organization-endorsed approach for early detection and effective management of postpartum hemorrhage.

Dr Shu’aibu emphasized that strengthening midwifery care at the frontline is key to preventing avoidable maternal deaths and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.

She therefore urged stakeholders at all levels to prioritize policies and funding that will support midwives and enhance healthcare delivery across the country.