On International Day of the Midwife 2026, midwifery associations across Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America united to celebrate midwives and call for greater investment in the profession. Through advocacy events, community outreach, training, policy dialogue, media engagement and recognition, these activities highlighted midwives’ essential role in saving lives, improving maternal and newborn health, and strengthening health systems. Together, they reinforced a shared message: every woman and newborn deserves quality care supported by skilled midwives.
Join us in celebrating the midwives from the Global South and their resilient efforts to keep families safe.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The Société Congolaise de la pratique Sage-Femme (SCOSAF). called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to deploy midwives in all health facilities providing free maternity care through Universal Health Coverage. SCOSAF President Annie Tshiamala emphasized that strengthening the presence of skilled midwives is essential to protecting mothers and newborns. Under the theme, “Accelerating the Deployment of Midwives for the Safety of Mothers and Newborns,” the commemoration highlighted midwives’ vital role in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and advancing safer, more equitable care across the country.
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HAITI
The Association des Sages-Femmes d’Haïti (ASFH) convened a national celebration in Port-au-Prince under the theme, “One Million More Midwives: No Maternal Health Without Midwives.” The event brought together midwives, government representatives, health professionals, partners, students and civil society to advocate for stronger investment in midwifery amid Haiti’s humanitarian and security crisis. Highlights included panel discussions, recognition of the State University of Haiti’s Midwifery Bachelor’s Degree Programme, an honour presented to Health Minister Dr Bertrand Sinal, a national video competition, and promotion of the global petition calling for one million more midwives worldwide in Haiti.
MALAWI
The Association of Malawian Midwives (AMAMI) supported an event celebrating midwives’ vital contribution to maternal and newborn health in Malawi. Through coordinated communications, media visibility, stakeholder engagement and documentation, the event amplified calls to invest in midwives and strengthen quality maternal and newborn healthcare services. Participants included the Minister of Health and other Ministry officials, midwives, students, partner organizations, healthcare institutions, community stakeholders and Paramount Chief Mbelwa. Their involvement reinforced government commitment and community ownership of safe motherhood, while strengthening advocacy, public awareness and cultural support for improved maternal and newborn health outcomes across Malawi.
(Women’s Voices and Midwifery Leadership for Resilient Health (TRUST) is a five-year, $8.5 million Global Affairs Canada–funded initiative led by the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM), in partnership with AMAMI, SSNAMA, and the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM).
SOMALIA & SOMALILAND
Across Somalia and Somaliland, midwifery associations marked May 5 under the theme “One Million More Midwives,” calling for greater support. In Garowe, the Puntland Midwives Association (PAM) brought together officials, health professionals, partners and community members to recognize midwives’ role in maternal and newborn health. The Somali Midwives Association (SOMA) focused on outreach and awareness, bringing essential services closer to women and newborns while calling for increased investment. The Somaliland Nurses and Midwives Association (SLNMA) honoured midwives for their lifesaving work, especially those serving under challenging conditions. Together, these activities highlighted midwives as essential to safer births, healthier families and stronger health systems.
Somali Midwives for Improving Lives and Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SMILES) is a five year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), SMILES is led by CARE Canada in partnership with CAM, SOMA, PAM and SLNMA.
SOUTH SUDAN
The South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association (SSNAMA) coordinated national and state-level activities celebrating nurses and midwives across South Sudan. Events included Radio Miraya discussions on investing in midwives and maternal health, a virtual IDM celebration, career guidance for young people in Yambio, and a joint national gathering attended by 270 participants. State chapters also organized outreach, health education and recognition activities. Together, the celebrations strengthened professional unity, raised awareness of maternal and newborn healthcare, inspired health workers, and reinforced advocacy for better salaries, safer working conditions and greater investment.
(Women’s Voices and Midwifery Leadership for Resilient Health (TRUST) is a five-year, $8.5 million Global Affairs Canada–funded initiative led by the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM), in partnership with AMAMI, SSNAMA, and the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM).
TANZANIA
The Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA) convened activities in Moshi under the theme “One Million More Midwives.” Highlights included the first-ever Mkunga Marathon, bringing together more than 650 midwives and community members to raise awareness and support maternal health services. TAMA also provided free maternal and newborn health services and trained 121 midwives in safe delivery, psychosocial support and leadership. Supported through the Strengthening Midwifery in Tanzania project, the celebration strengthened professional development, community engagement and collaboration with government and partners, while reinforcing the importance of investing in midwives across Tanzania.
The SMIT project (Thamini Uzazi Salama which means Value Safe Birth in Swahili) is funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by UNFPA-Tanzania.
VENEZUELA
Through respectful maternity and newborn care training, intercultural dialogue and sustained engagement with health authorities, the project advanced formal recognition of Indigenous midwives. A 2026 government agreement established a pathway for 86 midwives to be recognized and paid as state health agents beginning in 2027. The project also trained 52 healthcare professionals and recognized 40 Indigenous midwives as intercultural reference figures, demonstrating how trust-based partnerships can transform health systems.
Safe and Respectful Care in Venezuela/ Attención Segura Respetuosa (Zulia) is funded by Global Affairs Canada, led by UNFPA Venezuela, in collaboration with the CAM and NCIM.
Happy IDM to all our partners !
