Important Days📖 2 min read

International Day of the Midwife 2026: Global Call for One Million More Midwives

Annual event highlights midwives' vital role in maternal health and global workforce shortage.

Source: GNews World Day
Summary of News

The International Day of the Midwife 2026 was observed with a virtual event, focusing on the theme "One Million More Midwives." This annual day, celebrated on May 5th, highlights the critical role midwives play in ensuring safe pregnancies, childbirth, and postnatal care worldwide. The campaign emphasizes the urgent need to address the global shortage of skilled midwives to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. Midwives are essential frontline healthcare providers, contributing significantly to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, especially in underserved regions. The event,

Key Points for Exam
  • International Day of the Midwife is celebrated annually on May 5th.
  • The 2026 event focused on the theme "One Million More Midwives."
  • The day highlights the crucial role of midwives in maternal and newborn healthcare.
  • It advocates for increased investment in midwifery services and workforce development.
  • The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) organizes global events for this day.
Important Keywords Explained
International Day of the Midwifeconcept

An annual observance on May 5th, dedicated to recognizing the work of midwives and raising awareness about their vital role in maternal and newborn health. It advocates for improved midwifery services globally.

International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)organization

Founded in 1922, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. It is a non-governmental organization representing midwives and midwifery associations worldwide, working to strengthen the profession and improve health outcomes for women and newborns.

Maternal Healthconcept

Refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. It encompasses the healthcare services provided to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby, with midwives playing a central role.

Additional Facts & Context
1Globally, an estimated 900,000 more midwives are needed by 2030 to achieve universal health coverage.
2Midwives can provide 87% of the essential care needed for women and newborns.
3Investment in midwifery could yield a 16-fold return on investment in terms of lives saved and improved health.
4The first International Day of the Midwife was celebrated on May 5, 1992.
Examiner's Tip

Questions on Important Days often ask for the date, theme, or the significance of the day. For health-related days, the role of associated organizations or specific healthcare professionals is also common.

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Memory Trick

Remember: May 5th, Midwives Thrive! M for May, M for Midwife.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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