The United Nations Population Fund has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan in strengthening midwifery education and health systems, calling for urgent investment to address a critical shortage of skilled workers.
The statement was issued on the occasion of the International Day of the Midwife, with UNFPA’s Pakistan representative, Dr Luay Shabaneh, stressing the importance of expanding midwifery services nationwide.
Severe shortage and rising risks
According to UNFPA:
- Pakistan faces a shortage of nearly 82,000 midwives
- There are only 2.2 midwives per 10,000 people, about half the global average
- The country accounts for around 4% of global maternal deaths
Officials say nearly 100 women die per 100,000 live births, mostly due to preventable causes.
Call for systemic reforms
UNFPA urged the Government of Pakistan to:
- Expand midwifery education, including scaling up the B.S. Midwifery Program
- Improve training standards and workforce deployment
- Integrate midwives fully into the healthcare system
- Ensure fair pay, legal protection, and career pathways
Role of midwives in healthcare
Dr Shabaneh described midwives as essential frontline providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where they often serve as the first point of care.
He noted that properly trained and supported midwives can:
- Prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth
- Provide essential maternal and newborn care
- Reduce preventable deaths
- Strengthen primary healthcare systems
Investment seen as economic priority
UNFPA emphasized that investing in midwives is not only a health priority but also an economic one, as it reduces emergency care costs, eases pressure on hospitals, and improves long-term productivity.
However, many midwives in Pakistan continue to work without adequate equipment, supervision, or safe conditions.
Ongoing initiatives
An advanced midwifery clinical skills training program was recently launched in Tharparkar to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in underserved areas.
