What the Data, Midwives and Women are telling us

27 May 2021
Virtual

By the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)

From the MDGs to the SDGs, efforts have been stated, reaffirmed, and acted upon to improve maternal and newborn health, but far more needs to be done. The latest data shows over 800 women and 7,000 newborns still die every day due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. Half of maternal deaths and over 60% of neonatal deaths are attributed to poor quality care and are preventable.

A strong professionalized midwifery cadre is a key solution to this challenge. According to the newly released State of the World’s Midwifery Report 2021 (SoWMy), the world needs 1.1 million more sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) workers, 900,000 of which must be midwives. As we listen to the data, the midwives, and the women in communities, one message is clear: bold investments in midwifery are needed.

On May 27, 2021, the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation (the Center), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) will co-host "Front Line In Focus: What data, midwives, and women are telling us" -- an interactive virtual event as part of the Front Line in Focus series to celebrate the release of the 2021 State of the World’s Midwifery Report (SoWMy), recognize the impact of midwifery, and explore what key next steps are needed to strengthen maternal and newborn health. Through dynamic presentations and an intimate dialogue, this event will lift up innovative solutions, spotlight progress, and instill hope by helping the audience better understand the range of places and unexpected ways that midwives serve in the world.

Speakers will include:

  • Anneka Knutsson, Chief, Sexual and Reproductive Health Branch, United Nations Population Fun (UNFPA)
  • Alina D. Bishop Velarde, President of the Mexican non-profit, Parto Libre
  • Carol Couchie, Mentorship and Resilience Lead, National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM)
  • Chunmei Li, Director, Johnson & Johnson Global Community Impact
  • Harriet Nayiga, Midwife, Wentz Medical Center, Midwife-led Community Transformation
  • Janet Jarman, Photojournalist and documentary filmmaker of Birth Wars
  • Sally Pairman, Chief Executive, International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
  • Sandra Rumi, Midwifery Educator and Principal of Bangladesh Adventist Nursing College

The event will be live translated and available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. And a recording of the event will be circulated via the Center's newsletter.

Register