Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Day of the Midwife under the global theme, “One Million More Midwives,” with renewed calls for increased investment in training, retention, and fair compensation for healthcare workers critical to maternal and newborn health.
The 2026 commemorations, held at United Bulawayo Hospitals, highlighted the urgent global shortage of healthcare professionals needed to ensure maternal and newborn safety.
According to the International Confederation of Midwives, achieving safe and high-quality maternal healthcare requires closing a massive global workforce gap by 2035.
Midwives remain at the frontline of safe motherhood and newborn care and, when adequately supported during both development and humanitarian crises, can deliver up to 90% of essential sexual and reproductive health and rights services.
In a speech read on his behalf by Health and Child Care deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini, Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora said the government recognises the vital role played by midwives in the country’s healthcare system.
“The government of Zimbabwe recognises that midwives are the bedrock of our maternal and newborn health system,” said Mombeshora.
“We are committed to increasing our investment in training, fair compensation, and retention of midwives, as outlined in our Health Workforce Strategy and Investment Compact.
“This commitment is a deliberate and cost-effective strategy to achieve our goal of ending preventable maternal deaths and ensuring safer motherhood for every woman and newborn in Zimbabwe.”
The drive for one million more midwives also aligns with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s broader mandate of ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.
UNFPA representative Miranda Tabifor said investment in midwives remains one of the most sustainable and cost-effective ways of improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
“The UNFPA Midwifery Programme Strategy (2017–2030) underscores the critical need for investing in midwives, including strengthening their skills and competencies,” she said.
“Through programmes such as the Health Resilience Fund and the Maternal and Newborn Fund, UNFPA continues to support the Ministry of Health and Child Care with pre-service and in-service midwifery training to ensure the availability of skilled birth attendants. We will continue investing in this area.”
Studies have shown that every US$1 invested in midwifery yields up to US$16 in social and economic benefits through improved maternal and newborn survival rates and healthier communities.
The Health Resilience Fund is supported by the governments of Britain, Ireland and Sweden.
A major highlight of the commemorations was the exhibition of digital health innovations, particularly the electronic partograph technology, which enables midwives to monitor maternal and fetal well-being in real time during labour, allowing for rapid and life-saving clinical interventions.
The event also culminated in the Midwives Recognition Initiative, a programme supported by the Embassy of Sweden aimed at honouring outstanding midwives from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe for their dedication and commitment to protecting mothers and newborns under often challenging conditions.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lingarde, applauded the efforts of Zimbabwean midwives and urged continued investment in the health sector.
“We are really honoured to be contributing towards the recognition of the outstanding midwives,” said Lingarde.
“It is our hope that this small token of appreciation will go a long way in motivating all midwives to continue giving their best. Let the smiles of mothers after delivery and the cry of newborn babies inspire you.
“We urge the government of Zimbabwe and stakeholders to invest more in the training, fair compensation, and retention of midwives and other healthcare workers.”
Stakeholders at the event stressed that strengthening the midwifery workforce remains essential in reducing maternal and newborn mortality while ensuring that every woman has access to safe and dignified childbirth services.