ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced on Monday that it remains firmly committed to supporting Pakistan in strengthening midwifery education, workforce development, and health systems.

In a statement marking the observance of International Day of the Midwife on May 5, UNFPA Representative in Pakistan, Dr Luay Shabaneh, said that the Fund will continue to work in close partnership with the government and all stakeholders to advance this agenda.

“The path forward is clear, the evidence is strong, and the returns are undeniable. The question is not whether we can afford to invest in midwives, but whether we can afford not to. Let us stand with our midwives by protecting them, valuing their contributions, and enabling them to reach their full potential — investing not only in health, but in the dignity, prosperity, and future of Pakistan,” the UNFPA representative said.

Pakistan now has an opportunity to act by expanding midwifery education, scaling up the BS Midwifery Programme, strengthening training standards, and ensuring recruitment and deployment where they are most needed.

Midwives must be fully integrated into the health system, with clear career pathways, professional recognition, and leadership opportunities. They must be paid fairly, protected legally, and prioritised in health sector planning and budgets. Access to skilled midwifery care is a fundamental right — no woman should lose her life while giving life.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026