Int'l Day of Midwife

Everyday, 1,000 women die and 5,500 newborns die in the first week of life. This could have been easily prevented by a health worker with the right skills, the right equipment and the right support. Investing in human resources for health is one of the soundest investments a country can make. In Sri Lanka, public health midwives have been a cornerstone in reducing maternal deaths and improving the health of mothers and their newborns.

A unique feature in Sri Lanka is the continuum of care provided by midwives to ensure that women's health issues are addressed throughout their lifecycle.

"Sri Lanka's investments in improving maternal health are exemplary. By applying the right policies and making the right investments to increase skilled attendance at birth along with increased access to family planning and emergency obstetric care, Sri Lanka has shown that maternal deaths can be reduced even prior to attaining high levels of economic development.

UNFPA is also proud to be part of these achievements" states UNFPA Representative to Sri Lanka, Lene K Christiansen.