A critical crisis persists: Updated estimate of global midwife shortage requires urgent action

Significant population growth in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions will bring extra need for midwifery services. The current estimate and projections indicate that the production of new midwife graduates in these regions has increased, but is only just keeping pace with the increased need, so the large shortages will not decrease by much before 2030. Further substantial increases in midwife availability are required to ensure that all mothers and newborns have access to midwives who can provide essential care.