Midwives are central to quality maternal and newborn healthcare, supporting the health and well-being of future generations. Globally, midwives are among the most trusted healthcare professionals, leading in health promotion, prevention, education and advocacy for women, newborns and families.

This year’s International Day of the Midwife, themed “One Million More Midwives”, highlights the urgent need to invest in midwifery education, leadership and professional development to improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.

Reducing the maternal mortality rate (MMR) remains a global priority. In 2020, an estimated 287,000 women died from maternal causes—almost 800 deaths daily or one every two minutes (World Health Organization, 2024). Evidence from the World Health Organization demonstrates that strengthening midwifery services significantly reduces maternal and newborn mortality, improves women’s health outcomes and advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund and International Confederation of Midwives continue to advocate for investment in midwifery leadership and professional development.

The Arab Region Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Framework 2022–2030, led by the League of Arab States, United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organization, underscores the importance of optimising the practice of nurses and midwives to improve health outcomes. The framework focuses on reducing unnecessary medical interventions, lowering caesarean section rates and improving maternal satisfaction to meet SDG targets (United Nations Population Fund, 2022).

Education is fundamental to the future of midwifery. Competent midwives must be empowered to practise to the full scope of their profession and contribute to decision-making in areas such as violence prevention, women’s empowerment, sexual and reproductive health & rights and the promotion of gender equality (World Health Organization, 2021; International Confederation of Midwives, 2024). Staying informed and up to date with contemporary literature, evidence-based practice, guidelines and protocols is essential. In response, the International Confederation of Midwives launched the “PUSH Campaign” in 2021 to advance midwifery development (International Confederation of Midwives, 2026).

Representing midwives’ associations in more than 100 countries, the International Confederation of Midwives is a leading agency promoting the profession under the theme “One Million More Midwives.” Through its programmes, standards and international partnerships, the organisation drives excellence in midwifery education, practice, leadership and advocacy.

A key initiative is the Midwife Leaders Executive Sponsorship Programme, a 24-month global leadership scheme supporting emerging midwife leaders through mentorship, networking and professional development (International Confederation of Midwives, 2026). In a significant milestone for Bahrain, Dr Naeema Al Qasseer was invited by the International Confederation of Midwives to serve as an Executive Leadership Sponsor and mentor, reflecting international recognition of her longstanding contributions to nursing, midwifery, public health and global health leadership.

I am honoured to be the first midwife from Bahrain selected to participate in this programme as an emerging midwife leader. The 34th Triennial International Confederation of Midwives Congress in June 2026, joining midwives, stakeholders and global partners to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and address the growing global demand for midwives. This aligns with the theme “One Million More Midwives” and supports the advancement of care for women, newborns and families.

Amid ongoing healthcare reform, midwives remain essential advocates for safe, respectful and compassionate care. Their leadership and commitment will continue to shape healthier communities and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

References:

• International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) (2026) Midwife Leaders Executive Sponsorship Programme.
• International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) (2026) Our work.
• International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) (2024) Global Standards for Midwifery Education. The Hague: International Confederation of Midwives.
• United Nations Population Fund. (2022). Arab Region Nursing And Midwifery Strategic Framework 2022-2030. United Nations Population Fund.
• World Health Organization (WHO) (2021) Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery 2021–2025. Geneva: World Health Organization. (extended to 2030).
• WHO. (2024). World health statistics 2024 Monitoring health for the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals World Health Organization.