The International Day of the Midwife (IDM) holds special significance in this target year of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). While important progress has been made toward the vision to reduce all preventable maternal and newborn deaths there is still unfinished business and new challenges that need attention as we transition from the MDGs to the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

This is why we have chosen the 2015 theme “Midwives: for a better tomorrow”. It reminds us of the critical role of midwives in creating a brighter future for mothers, babies, and families. Continued progress and sustainable development will not be a reality unless mothers and babies survive and thrive. Investment in midwives is fundamental in accelerating progress toward these goals.

 

 

The State of the World’s Midwifery Report 2014 (SoWMy), launched at the 30th ICM Triennial Congress in Prague, focuses on the urgent need to improve the availability, accessibility, accessibility and quality of midwifery services. Evidence from the Lancet Series on Midwifery also highlight midwifery’s contribution to the health and survival of women and their newborns. So as we shift our attention away from the MDGs this year, let us not forget that the world still needs more midwives.

 

With this in mind, we recommend that you take time to plan your activity carefully and strategically. Be clear about your objective and what you wish to achieve this IDM. We have included suggestions and checklists in the 2015 IDM Resource Pack on internationalmidwives.org to help you plan your event. We also invite you to share this resource pack with your colleagues, such as other midwives or stakeholders in your country and region.

 

Thank you for your continued efforts to raise awareness for all midwives who strive each day to create a better world. A world where no mother dies of pregnancy or childbirth related complications. A world where every mother has access to a midwife’s care. A world where the SDGs become reality. By joining forces to improve maternal-newborn care and strengthen midwifery globally, we will indeed help to ensure a better tomorrow.

 

Frances Ganges

ICM Chief Executive