A global shortage of nearly one million midwives is putting millions of women and newborns at risk, with new research showing that closing the workforce gap could save up to 4.3 million lives every year by 2030.
The warning came as more than 3,000 midwives, policymakers, researchers and health leaders from over 115 countries gathered in Lisbon, Portugal, for the 34th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), where participants are demanding urgent investment in the profession.
According to the ICM, the world is currently short of approximately 980,000 midwives across 181 countries.
Evidence from a recent peer-reviewed study indicates that addressing this deficit could prevent 67 per cent of maternal deaths, 64 per cent of newborn deaths and 65 per cent of stillbirths globally.
“This is not a future risk. It is a present reality,” said Anna af Ugglas, Chief Executive of the International Confederation of Midwives.
“Nearly one million missing midwives means care becomes rushed and fragmented. This is a quality and safety issue for women and babies.”
Congress theme
The congress, themed “The World Needs One Million More Midwives,” is focusing on strategies to strengthen the global midwifery workforce amid growing concerns over maternal and newborn health outcomes.
A peer-reviewed editorial published in Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare argues that midwifery-led care should no longer be viewed as merely a policy option but as an evidence-based requirement for safeguarding the lives of women and newborns.
The authors of the study noted that maternity care systems in many countries remain fragmented, over-medicalised and, in some cases, fail to adequately respect the needs and preferences of women.
They found that midwife-led, woman-centred care improves maternal and newborn health outcomes, reduces unnecessary medical interventions and increases women’s satisfaction with healthcare services.
Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwife of the ICM, said that workforce shortages continue to undermine access to quality maternal healthcare in many parts of the world.
“In many settings, midwives are educated but not employed or enabled to practise fully, leaving women without access to the care they need,” she said.
The study’s authors urged governments and international institutions to demonstrate stronger political commitment, establish supportive regulatory frameworks, invest significantly in the midwifery workforce and engage meaningfully with women and communities.
Africa bears the brunt
It reveals that the shortage is particularly severe in Africa, which accounts for 46 per cent of the global deficit as ICM estimates that nine out of every ten women on the continent lack access to a midwife.
Other regions are also grappling with significant workforce gaps. The Americas face shortages of up to 85 per cent of required midwives, while about 69 per cent of midwifery needs remain unmet in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Several European countries, including some with well-funded healthcare systems, are also experiencing persistent shortages.
The World Health Organization recognises midwives as critical providers of care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
Midwives are also trained to deliver up to 90 per cent of essential sexual and reproductive health services in a manner that is cost-effective, sustainable and respectful of women’s rights.
Health experts at the congress further warned that midwives are often among the first healthcare professionals to witness the effects of climate-related disasters, disease outbreaks, armed conflicts and funding cuts, making their role increasingly vital in maintaining essential services during crises.
As delegates continue deliberations in Lisbon, the message emerging from the gathering is clear: urgent action is needed in recruiting, retaining and empowering more midwives, to advance progress toward reducing maternal and newborn deaths for millions of families worldwide.
