UNFPA committed to supporting midwifery education, workforce development in Pakistan

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reiterated its steadfast dedication to bolstering Pakistan's midwifery sector, emphasizing the crucial role these healthcare professionals play in saving lives and improving maternal and child health outcomes. In a statement coinciding with International Day of the Midwife, UNFPA Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh underscored the organization's ongoing partnership with the Pakistani government and stakeholders to strengthen midwifery education, training standards, and overall health systems. From Pakistan's perspective, as highlighted by Dawn, this commitment addresses a critical gap in healthcare delivery. Midwives are often the first and most trusted point of contact in remote and underserved communities, providing essential care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. However, the nation grapples with a severe shortage, estimated at nearly 82,000, with only 2.2 midwives per 10,000 people—half the global average. This deficit directly contributes to Pakistan's concerning maternal mortality rate, where approximately 100 women die for every 100,000 live births, largely from preventable causes. Shabaneh's call for midwives to be fully integrated into the health system, with clear career paths, fair pay, and recognition, is particularly resonant. It speaks to the need for systemic change that values and supports these frontline health workers. Investing in midwives is not merely a health imperative but also viewed as a "smart economic choice," as it reduces the need for costly emergency interventions and strengthens primary healthcare infrastructure. The UNFPA's continued support is vital in realizing the potential of midwives to ensure that "no woman should lose her life while giving life," a sentiment that deeply reflects the aspirations for a healthier and more prosperous Pakistan.

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The path forward is clear, the evidence is strong and the returns are undeniable. The question is not whether we can afford to invest in midwives, but whether we can afford not (to do) so.