Midwives are the heroes of millions of stories.
As providers of culturally sensitive health care, leaders in their communities and emergency responders in times of crisis, midwives are courageous and indispensable.
When disasters strike, midwives save lives. They are often the first responders for women, representing the most effective way to avoid preventable maternal deaths.
The Arab region faces a shortage of 60,000 midwives by 2030. By closing this gap - and investing in their training, development and support - 300,000 lives could be saved each year.
The world must urgently invest in creating an environment that enables midwives to do their important work, by ensuring quality education, providing resources, and empowering them to act as full partners across health systems.
On the International Day of the Midwife, midwives' stories are testament to their professionalism, compassion and resolve to provide vital, life-saving care, no matter what.
