Midwives: Essential Pillars of Global Health Care, Says WHO Representative

The significance of midwives in the healthcare system cannot be overstated, as emphasized by Syed Jaffar Hussain, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative. On International Midwifery Day, celebrated on May 6, he highlighted their commitment to providing compassionate and skillful care, which is essential for ensuring safe deliveries and enhancing the health of mothers and newborns throughout the country.

This year’s theme, “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis,” reflects the vital role midwives play, especially in challenging circumstances. The event built on the momentum from World Health Day 2025, which focused on “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” advocating for increased recognition and investment in midwives, who are indispensable in facilitating healthy beginnings for families.

The celebration witnessed the participation of Iranian midwives from various sectors, including healthcare delivery, management, and academia. It commenced with a series of speeches from notable figures such as:

• Alireza Raeisi, Deputy Minister for Public Health
• Sajad Razavi, Deputy Minister for Curative Affairs
• Alireza Askari, Director General for Hospital Management and Clinical Excellence

During his address, Hussain spoke about the multifaceted roles of midwives, recognizing them as gatekeepers at primary healthcare facilities, known as moraghebe-salamat. He emphasized the importance of their presence in family practice teams, noting that midwifery is a vocation that demands significant courage, empathy, and expertise.

Hussain also acknowledged the relentless efforts of midwives, praising their ability to provide comfort and support in challenging times and their essential role in empowering women. He urged policymakers to harness the potential of midwives in safeguarding the health of communities.

As part of the event, midwives recognized for their outstanding contributions across various provinces and medical universities received appreciation notes. This recognition underscored the crucial role midwives play in the healthcare system and emphasized the ongoing need for support and investment in their profession.

UNFPA Commends Iran’s Progress in Maternal Health

On the occasion of the International Day of Midwives, which is celebrated annually on May 5, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in Iran praised the country’s health system for achieving a remarkable 63% reduction in maternal mortality. The mortality rate decreased from 43 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 16 deaths in 2023.

Ayna Seyitliyeva, the UNFPA representative, credited this achievement primarily to Iran’s robust primary healthcare network, which integrates both prenatal and postnatal care. She noted that the contributions of nurse aides, health experts, and midwives were instrumental in this success.

“Midwives are crucial in ensuring that women have access to quality health services as a fundamental human right,” Seyitliyeva stated. She reiterated that they play a vital role in promoting maternal and newborn health and significantly contribute to reducing preventable deaths during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Despite the progress made, Seyitliyeva highlighted that the situation remains critical in certain regions due to disparities. In some areas, women face double or even higher risks of mortality due to complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth. She specifically pointed out that the highest mortality rates are observed in less developed regions, such as Sistan-Baluchestan.

Addressing the issue of inadequate care, which accounts for half of maternal deaths, Seyitliyeva assured that the UNFPA would continue to support Iran in implementing policies aimed at enhancing maternal health and obstetric services while striving to reduce maternal mortality rates.

The dedication of midwives and the continued efforts of health organizations underscore the importance of investing in maternal health services. As we commemorate International Midwifery Day, it is crucial to recognize and support the vital contributions of midwives to healthcare systems globally.