The theme of the 34th ICM Triennial Congress, One Million More Midwives, reflects the urgent need for at least one million additional midwives at the global level to meet the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) needs of women and gender-diverse people. Using 2019 data, the latest State of the World’s Midwifery Report estimated a global shortage of 900,000 midwives. In the post-pandemic period, this number is certainly higher. The evidence shows that with at least 900,000 more midwives, we could prevent 67% of maternal deaths, 64% of newborn deaths, and 65% of stillbirths annually—saving up to 4.3 million lives every year by 2035.
Midwives are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing critical health inequities. Yet, the world is far from having the midwifery workforce it needs.
The 34th ICM Triennial Congress in Lisbon, Portugal is a pivotal moment for midwives, midwives’ associations, and partners to come together to discuss ways to address this challenge at national, regional and global levels. Through keynote sessions, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, midwives will engage with critical topics, as well as share knowledge and global advancements in research, education, regulation, and practice that will benefit midwifery and SRMNAH care. The Congress will also provide a platform for midwives’ associations and midwives to learn, collaborate, and find ways to advocate for the resources and recognition needed to ensure the world gets one million more midwives.