International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is annually celebrated across the globe on 5th May to recognise and celebrate the work of midwives across the world. The midwives are the healthcare professionals who provide support and care for the women during pregnancy, labour and birth.
The theme of the IDM 2021 is “Follow the data: Invest in Midwives”.
- The IDM 2021 coincides with the launch of the State of the World’s Midwifery (SoWMy) Report 2021.
- The launch of the report was co-led by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and Novametrics.
Background:
i.The International Day of the Midwife (IDM) has been initiated and annually celebrated by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
ii.The first International Day of the Midwife was celebrated in 1991.
ii.The annual theme of the IDM is chosen by the ICM.
State of the World’s Midwifery Report 2021:
i.The State of the World’s Midwifery Report 2021 evaluates the midwifery workforce and related health resources in 194 countries.
ii.According to the SoWMy 2021, the investment towards midwives by 2035 will prevent around 67 percent of maternal deaths, 64 percent of newborn deaths and 65 percent of stillbirths. This could save around 4.3 million lives per year.
iii.The report establishes a global shortage of around 900000 midwives, which is around one-third of the required global midwifery workforce and a shortage of 1.1 million sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) workers.
About International Confederation of Midwives (ICM):
Chief Executive– Dr Sally Pairman
Headquarters– The Hague, Netherlands
