Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance encouraging countries to adopt and expand midwifery-led models of care, which position midwives as the primary providers for women and babies throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
WHO on Wednesday, highlighted that these models promote strong communication and partnership between women and midwives, delivering proven health benefits.
“Women who receive care from trusted midwives are statistically more likely to experience healthy vaginal births and report higher satisfaction with services,” the organization stated.
WHO’s Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Dr. Anshu Banerjee, emphasized that investing in midwifery models is among the most effective strategies globally to improve maternal and newborn health.
He explained, “These approaches improve outcomes, maximise resources, and can be adapted to all countries. Crucially, they also enhance women’s and families’ experiences of care.”
Banerjee noted that universal access to skilled midwives could prevent over 60% of maternal and newborn deaths, potentially saving 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.
He further stressed that midwifery models focus on informed choice, respectful communication, and non-invasive techniques aimed at empowering women and reducing unnecessary medical interventions.
Ulrika Loi, WHO Midwifery Expert and lead on the new guidance, underscored the importance of skilled midwives in building women’s trust and active participation in their care.
“Investing in midwifery not only improves health outcomes but also ensures women have access to personalised, respectful, and empowering care,” she said.
The guidance provides practical tools and case studies to support countries in transitioning to midwifery-led care, emphasizing the need for political will, strategic planning, and funding, as well as high-quality education and regulation.
Chief Executive of the International Confederation of Midwives, Anna Ugglas, added, “Midwifery offers a person-centred, evidence-based approach that respects the physiological process of birth, restores dignity to maternity care, and ensures safety for mothers and newborns.”
