18/06/2026
I am not a midwife but these midwives standing before the message โOne Million More Midwivesโ at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Triennial Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, I am reminded of a question that many midwives across Africa continue to ask:
If the world needs one million more midwives, why are thousands of qualified midwives still unemployed?
In Ghana and many other countries, countless trained and competent midwives have completed their education, passed their licensing requirements, and are ready to serve. Yet many remain without employment opportunities, waiting months or even years to be posted or recruited.
At the same time, those who seek opportunities abroad often face lengthy clearance processes and administrative barriers. International recruitment restrictions and workforce policies can further limit the mobility of healthcare professionals who are willing and qualified to fill shortages elsewhere.
The reality is that while the global community speaks about addressing the shortage of midwives, many qualified professionals remain underutilised. This is not only a workforce issue it is a maternal and newborn health issue.
Governments, international organisations, regulators, and professional bodies must work together to create practical solutions that connect qualified midwives with the communities that need them most. We cannot continue to talk about shortages while skilled midwives sit on the sidelines.
The world does not just need one million more midwives it must also create opportunities for the midwives it already has.
Every woman deserves access to safe maternity care. Every community deserves skilled birth attendants. And every qualified midwife deserves the opportunity to practice their profession.
Emeris Nana Ephya Adwubi