Fact: Every day, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.  This accounts to 289,000 women per year.

Fact: Every year 3 million infants die in the first month of life. Among those, nearly 3/4 die in their first week, and 1/3 die on their day of birth.

Fact:  Midwives that are educated and regulated to international standards can provide 87% of the essential care needed for women and newborns.

Fact: Today, only 22% of countries have potentially enough adequately educated midwives to meet the basic needs of the world’s women and newborns.

Yesterday was the International Day of the Midwife.  The theme for this year is “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…