WHO Advocates for Midwifery Models to Improve Maternal adn Newborn Health
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By Amelia Hernandez | GENEVA – 2025/06/18 13:44:03
The World Health Association (WHO) is championing the implementation of midwifery models of care to enhance the health and well-being of mothers and newborns globally. This initiative aims to address the persistent challenges of maternal and neonatal mortality, morbidity, and stillbirths, which remain notable concerns despite advancements in recent decades.
The WHO emphasizes that access to the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental human right. However, many women and newborns still face mistreatment and overmedicalization during antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care, severely impacting their health and hindering progress toward universal health coverage.
Midwifery models of care are presented as a solution to optimize service delivery and better cater to the needs of women and newborns throughout the pregnancy and childbirth journey. These models empower midwives to make autonomous decisions within their scope of practise as part of interdisciplinary teams,ensuring quality care.
In situations where complications arise, midwives are expected to collaborate seamlessly with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other specialists through effective consultation and referral systems. This collaborative approach ensures continuous and personalized care for both women and newborns.
Strategic Guidance for Countries
The WHO provides strategic and practical guidance to countries seeking to transition to midwifery models of care. This guidance aims to facilitate the triumphant integration of these models into national healthcare systems, ultimately improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
“Enjoying the highest attainable standards of health is a fundamental human right.”
Benefits of Midwifery Models
By adopting midwifery models, countries can expect to see improvements in several key areas, including:
- Reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates
- Decreased morbidity and stillbirth rates
- Improved experiences of care for women and newborns
- More efficient and effective use of healthcare resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main benefits of midwifery models of care?
- Midwifery models of care can lead to reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates, improved experiences of care, and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
- How do midwives collaborate with other healthcare professionals?
- Midwives collaborate with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other specialists through effective consultation and referral systems to ensure continuous and personalized care.
- What is the WHO’s role in promoting midwifery models of care?
- The WHO provides strategic and practical guidance to countries seeking to transition to midwifery models of care, supporting their integration into national healthcare systems.
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