WHO to Launch Comprehensive Midwifery Guidance on June 18, 2025
Geneva, Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
The WHO will unveil guidance to improve global maternal health by incorporating midwifery models into primary healthcare systems, potentially transforming care for mothers and infants worldwide.
Enhancing Maternal and Neonatal Health through Midwifery
The World Health Organization (WHO) will launch its implementation guidance on midwifery models of care on June 18, 2025. This landmark event aims to integrate midwifery into primary healthcare systems worldwide to significantly improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. By providing structured transition frameworks and evidence-based practices, the guidance addresses critical gaps in current maternal health services and offers scalable, cost-effective solutions tailored to the varying needs of women and infants globally [1].
Key Elements of the WHO Guidance
The guidance will include tools to help health system leaders and policymakers integrate midwifery care into national health systems effectively. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and provides practical tools for improving health outcomes, promoting well-being, and advancing equity. The guidance is designed to be adaptable, helping countries at different stages of transition in their healthcare systems move towards midwifery models of care [2].
Real-World Impact and Implementation Strategies
The upcoming WHO event will include a global webinar hosted in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). During this webinar, panelists will present real-world examples of midwifery models in diverse settings, underscoring the importance of these models in enhancing health systems. The guidance responds to current challenges within maternal health systems, offering strategic reforms based on proven practices and evidence [3].
Addressing Barriers to Midwifery Adoption
Recently published research highlights the importance of policy context in expanding midwifery models, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. By advocating for independent practice legislation for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and modifying licensure policies, states can increase the availability of midwives, thereby enhancing healthcare delivery in underserved areas. The WHO’s guidance is expected to support such policy changes, aligning with ongoing efforts to expand midwifery care within the healthcare landscape [4].