Midwives key to success of SDGs

Statement from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), on the International Day of the Midwife 2015

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) supports the International Day of the Midwife 2015 (5 May 2015).

FIGO - the only global organisation representing gynecologists and obstetricians, with Member Societies in 125 countries/territories - believes that there are excellent reasons for obstetricians and gynecologists to collaborate closely with midwives to help strengthen midwifery.

The 2015 theme ‘Midwives, for a better tomorrow’ highlights the crucial role of midwives as invaluable, multi-skilled healthcare professionals. They care for women during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, and help to manage complications arising from these; offer general healthcare information in areas such as reproductive health, family planning and immunisations; assist women with breastfeeding and newborn care; and are able to refer women and newborns for higher level care should it be needed. They are an essential part of the world’s fight against maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

As the world moves on from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) towards the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), FIGO urges its Member Societies, and other collaborating organisations, to work together through complementary professional strengths and effective networking to help improve the quality and availability of midwifery services across the world.

Resources: 

https://www.internationalmidwives.org/events/idotm/international-day-of-the-midwife-2015/