Many women in West and Central Africa still give birth at home without the skilled care needed to avert or address unexpected complications and assure safe delivery. Midwives save lives. Well-trained midwives could help avert roughly two thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths, according to the most recent State of the World’s Midwifery report.

Since 2008, UNFPA has worked with partners, governments and policymakers to help build a competent, well-trained and well-supported midwifery workforce in low-resource settings.

Currently we focus on four key areas: providing a competency-based curriculum for all midwives; developing strong regulatory mechanisms to ensure quality services; establishing and strengthening midwifery associations; and advocating for increased investments in midwifery services.