Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe – May 14, 2025 – Today, the Governments of Zimbabwe, Sweden and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) joined the nation in commemorating the International Day of the Midwife calling for greater investment in the profession that plays a critical role in safeguarding the lives of pregnant women and their newborns. 

This year’s International Day of the Midwife commemorated under the theme: “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis” also recognised midwives from Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces for their outstanding work and going beyond the call of duty - for the second year running.

Midwives are the unsung heroes who are present and provide care to women and families along the continuum of care. They contribute significantly towards safe motherhood and newborn health as they are often on the front lines of saving women’s lives. They can deliver 90 per cent of essential SRHR services when well supported in both development and humanitarian/crisis. 

Through the Health Workforce Strategy 2023-2030 the Government of Zimbabwe is expanding its investment in the health workforce including Midwives. This commitment will lead to a 9-fold economic growth return in  investment.  

Speaking at the commemorations, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Hon. S Kwidini said the Government of Zimbabwe will continue investing in midwives to help reduce maternal mortality.

“Despite their vital contributions, midwives are often undervalued, under-resourced, and excluded from planning and response frameworks. This year’s theme reminds us that this must change. Midwives must be central to healthcare planning and systems and must be adequately supported, protected, and empowered, especially in times of crisis,” said Hon Kwidini in a speech read on behalf of the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Douglas Mombeshora.

He added: “This annual observance celebrates the dedication and impact of midwives both in Zimbabwe and globally. It is also a call to action to strengthen support for the profession and ensure its integration into broader health and development strategies. This year’s theme affirms that midwives are critical in every crisis.”

The number of women dying in child birth remains a pressing concern in the country. According to the 2022 National Housing and Population Census Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 362 per 100,000 live births. This translates to 4 women dying each day due to preventable maternal deaths. Through critical investments in areas such midwifery the country’s maternal mortality rate has reduced from 525 /100,000 in 2012 to 362/100,000 live births in 2022 (Census 2022).

“The Government of Sweden remains a key partner in Zimbabwe’s health sector system strengthening and we are proud to be part of achievements in the country,” said His Excellency Per Lingarde, Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe. He added: “Of concern are the current changing Funding Landscapes that will affect the gains in Reproductive Health Indicators. We want to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to take this as an opportunity to strengthen resilient health systems and take ownership of service delivery.  Increase domestic funding and investment for SRHR in line with the Abuja Declaration commitment.”

While acknowledging part Government of Zimbabwe's efforts to invest in the health workforce, including midwives, and the remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality, UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Miranda Tabifor highlighted that reduced funding for Sexual and Reproductive Health is threatening to undo gains made in ending maternal deaths. 

To address these new and continuing challenges, UNFPA, in collaboration with the International Confederation of Midwives and other global partners, launched the Midwifery Accelerator - a unified, evidence-driven global initiative aimed at significantly improving maternal and newborn health outcomes by scaling up midwifery models of care through strengthening education, leadership deployment and retention.

She said: “UNFPA takes investment in midwives as a key pillar,  cost-effective and a sustainable strategy to improve maternal and newborn health and well-being and reduce mortality. It is our sincerest hope that the launch of the initiative will help us mobilise much needed resources to strengthen midwifery care which will contribute to the greater goal of ending maternal deaths.”

A total of 13 midwives from Zimbabwe’s provinces were honoured today at the ceremony. In addition, a “legend midwife” - Ms Hagar Mapondera - was honoured with a special recognition award for her long standing contribution to the midwifery profession bringing to 14 the total number of midwives honoured.

For more information please contact:

Donald Mujiri, National Protocol and Public Relations Manager, Ministry of Health and Child Care on: Tel: +263 712 867 337 or Email: dmujiri@gmail.com 

Sophia Nyagwande, Promotion Officer Swedish Embassy on Tel: +263 782 734 165 or Email: sophia.nyagwande@gov.se 

Bertha Shoko, UNFPA Innovation, Communication and Visibility Specialist on Tel: +263772185177 or email: shoko@unfpa.org