Islamabad (TDI): UNFPA Pakistan and Health Services Academy (HSA) commemorated the International Day of the Midwife (IDM) 2025 under the global theme “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis.”
The event brought together key government officials, development partners, midwifery educators, and healthcare professionals to honor the vital contributions of midwives, particularly in times of conflict.
The commemoration began with a welcome address by the Associate Professor and Dean School of Nursing and midwifery, HSA, Dr. Mariyam Sarfraz, followed by a special message from the UNFPA Assistant Representative Pakistan, Dr. Rubina Anwar.
The event also featured a panel discussion with experts from the Ministry of Health, academia, service delivery sectors, and development partners.
The discussion explored strategies to integrate midwifery more effectively into national health security frameworks and to build a resilient, gender-equitable health system.
Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MoNHSR&C), Dr. Nelson Azeem, said the government, with support from UNFPA and partners, is investing in midwifery education.
The launch of the BS Midwifery program at Health Services Academy (HSA), with over 100 students already enrolled, is a promising step.
“This program is more than academic training it is a transformative effort to empower women, improve maternal health outcomes, and promote health equity,” said the Parliamentary Secretary.
He also emphasized that the government remains firmly committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Midwives are the backbone of maternal and newborn healthcare, especially in rural and humanitarian settings. Their role becomes even more critical in crisis situations where access to healthcare is disrupted,” he said.
In the end, the participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the midwifery profession in Pakistan and ensuring that every woman, everywhere even in the most fragile circumstances has access to skilled, compassionate care.
Pakistan faces a shortage of midwives and health workers, especially in underserved areas. Midwives are essential, particularly in crisis situations, delivering up to 90% of critical maternal and newborn care services.
In Pakistan’s context where maternal and neonatal mortality remains a significant public health concern, midwives often serve as the only accessible providers in remote and underserved areas.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
