Global Call to Action: Protecting Midwives to Sustain Care for Women, Newborns and their Families in the COVID-19 Pandemic

We are facing a global health crisis: health systems are being tested, as shortages of both staff and resources place intense pressure on services. As the world struggles to get COVID-19 under control, our global health workforce is under increasing strain – and woman-centred, midwifery-led care is more at risk than ever. It’s crucial that governments, health institutions, donors, NGOS and the global health community come together and ensure essential, evidence-based midwifery services are maintained as far as possible throughout this global health emergency.

This document calls for actions to ensure the continuation of midwife-led care, and the protection of maternal health and rights.