The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a new global directive urging countries to expand midwifery-led models of care in a bid to reduce the high rates of maternal and newborn deaths.

The guidance comes amid growing concerns about stagnating progress in maternal and newborn health in many parts of the world, particularly in low-income and fragile settings. WHO cited recent modelling that shows universal access to skilled midwives could prevent over 60 per cent of these deaths, potentially saving 4.3 million lives yearly by 2035.

The newly released guidance emphasised that when midwives serve as the primary care providers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, outcomes improve significantly for both mothers and babies.

According to WHO, midwifery-led care fosters strong communication and trust between women and healthcare providers. Women who receive consistent support from skilled midwives are more likely to experience safe, natural births and report higher satisfaction with their care. These models not only reduce the need for unnecessary medical interventions but also promote respectful and individualised care that empowers women to make informed decisions.

WHO Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Dr Anshu Banerjee, explained that midwifery models were among the most effective and adaptable strategies to improve maternal and newborn health across all health systems.

A midwifery expert at WHO and technical lead for the new guidance, Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi, emphasised that skilled midwives help women build trust in their own bodies and abilities, noting that investing in midwifery care not only improves clinical outcomes but ensures that women receive the emotional support, information, and dignity they deserve during childbirth.