"One million more midwives" - that was the motto of the 34th International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Congress in Lisbon, Portugal. On the margins of the Congress, on 14-15 June, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and ICM, EPF organised a Parliamentary Forum bringing together more than 20 Members of Parliament and political leaders from over 15 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America. 

Alongside ministers, technical experts, representatives of international organisations and leaders of national midwifery associations, the Parliamentarians discussed how they can help address the global shortage of one million midwives and strengthen maternal and newborn health. Slowing progress in reducing maternal mortality, increasing pressure on health systems and growing workforce shortages; the participants shared experiences, discussed common challenges and considered how parliamentary tools can be used to strengthen education, regulation, retention and leadership within the profession, as well as the role of midwives in humanitarian and fragile settings. 

Subtitle

Alongside ministers, technical experts, representatives of international organisations and leaders of national midwifery associations, the Parliamentarians discussed how they can help address the global shortage of one million midwives and strengthen maternal and newborn health. Slowing progress in reducing maternal mortality, increasing pressure on health systems and growing workforce shortages; the participants shared experiences, discussed common challenges and considered how parliamentary tools can be used to strengthen education, regulation, retention and leadership within the profession, as well as the role of midwives in humanitarian and fragile settings.

"This is a quote from me."

- Joachim Hamraoui