International Midwives Day in Nepal: Morning Rally Held with the Slogan 'Midwives are Essential in Every Crisis'

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – On the occasion of International Midwives Day 2025, the Midwifery Society of Nepal (MIDSON) organized a special event under the theme "Midwives: Essential in Every Crisis." A morning rally was also conducted to mark the day.

International Midwives Day has been observed globally since 1992, and MIDSON has been celebrating it in Nepal since its establishment in March 2010 (2066 B.S.). The objective of the day is to highlight and clarify the vital role of midwives in the public health sector.

According to the World Health Organization's 2023 report, nearly 800 women die each day globally from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications, many of which are preventable. In Nepal, 151 women die per 100,000 live births—more than double the global target of fewer than 70 deaths by 2030.

According to MIDSON President Goma Niraula, "Midwives are a critically necessary workforce to address this challenging situation. Whether it is natural disasters, armed conflict, pandemics, climate crises, or healthcare system failures, midwives are on the frontlines working to save the lives of women and newborns."

Midwifery education in Nepal began in 2016 (2073 B.S.). Currently, six universities and two technical institutions provide midwifery education. However, the Government of Nepal has not yet managed to appoint midwives permanently at the community level.

Nepal's Constitution of 2015 (2072 B.S.) and the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act of 2018 (2075 B.S.) guarantee every woman the right to quality maternity care. Yet, in practice, challenges persist due to a lack of midwifery personnel, weak management, and unequal access.

On this occasion, MIDSON has urged the Government of Nepal and relevant stakeholders to prioritize resources, infrastructure, and policy support for midwifery services and workforce development.