South Sudan Joins Global Call for ‘One Million More Midwives’ to Save Lives
South Sudan has rallied alongside the international community to observe the 2026 International Day of the Midwife, emphasizing the urgent need to invest in midwifery services as a vital strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
In a statement, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Diene Keita highlighted that the world requires an additional one million midwives by 2035 to save over four million lives annually. “Midwives are essential health workers who can prevent needless deaths during pregnancy and childbirth,” she said, stressing their critical role—especially in fragile and crisis-affected settings where healthcare access is often limited.
The message resonates deeply in South Sudan. The South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association (SSNAMA) described midwives as “lifesaving” professionals who frequently serve as the only skilled healthcare providers in remote and underserved communities.
“Across towns, villages, and hard-to-reach areas, midwives provide critical care before, during, and after childbirth,” said SSNAMA President Repent Khamis George in a press statement. Despite ongoing challenges, South Sudan’s midwives continue to deliver safe, compassionate care, while also educating communities and advocating for women’s health rights.
However, the country faces significant hurdles, including shortages of trained personnel, limited training opportunities, and gaps in the equitable deployment of healthcare workers. Health experts argue that scaling up midwifery services is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
Globally, UNFPA estimates that every dollar invested in midwifery yields up to sixteen dollars in social and economic benefits. Despite operating under difficult conditions, South Sudan’s midwives remain at the forefront of maternal and newborn health, playing a crucial role in saving lives and promoting health equity.
SSNAMA has called on the government, development partners, and communities to work together by investing in the education, recruitment, and retention of midwives.
The global theme for this year’s observance, “One Million More Midwives,” underscores the pressing need to bridge the workforce gap—particularly in Africa, where maternal mortality rates remain among the highest worldwide.
As the world commemorates the day, stakeholders emphasize that expanding the midwifery workforce is not only a health priority but a vital investment in the future of families and communities across the globe.
