End Maternal Deaths

COVID-19 heightened menstruation challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean; action and investment needed

Indigenous adolescents from in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, participate in a workshop on menstrual health and hygiene. ©UNFPA Nicaragua/Diter Bonilla

28 May 2021

Mozambique, Angola help girls manage menstrual health and hygiene in crisis and beyond

Teresa Estevão Bala,18, took part in a menstrual management initiative piloted by UNFPA and BeGirl in Luanda province, Angola. Around her neck is a "menstrual clock" tool that was given to both girls and boys to help them understand menstrual cycles. © UNFPA Angola/K. Karlos Cesar

28 May 2021

Au Mozambique, le parcours d'une survivante de la fistule obstétricale, de « je n'étais rien » à « je suis capable de tout »

Beatriz Sebastião, 28 ans, survivante de la fistule obstétricale, se tient devant son domicile et sa petite épicerie à Mocuba, dans la province de Zambezia, au Mozambique. Un aspect clé des soins de la fistule, sous la direction du ministère du Genre, de l'Enfance et de l'Action sociale, est la réintégration dans la société, y compris la formation professionnelle afin que les survivantes puissent obtenir un emploi significatif. © UNFPA Mozambique

21 May 2021

In Mozambique, an obstetric fistula survivor's journey from "I was nothing" to "I am capable of everything"

Obstetric fistula survivor Beatriz Sebastião, 28, stands outside her home and small grocery business in Mocuba, Zambezia province, Mozambique. A key aspect of fistula care, led by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Action, is reintegration into society, including skills training so survivors can gain meaningful employment. © UNFPA Mozambique

21 May 2021

After childbirth trauma, Afghan women emerge from life in shadows

Noorjahan laughs as she recovers from fistula surgery in Malalai Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. Now, she says, "I can live." © Andrea Bruce/ NOOR

07 June 2016

The State of the World's Midwifery 2021

Read more about The State of the World's Midwifery 2021

The State of the World’s Midwifery (SoWMy) 2021 presents findings on the Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) workforce from 194 countries. The report, produced by UNFPA, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Novametrics, shows the progress and trends since the inaugural 2011 edition and identifies the barriers and challenges to future advancement. The report establishes a global shortage of 1.1 million SRMNAH workers, the largest shortage (900,000) being midwives.

In crisis after crisis, mothers around the world are asked to do the impossible

A new mother of twins is attended by maternal health nurse Ana Paula Francisco Adrade. Nurse Adrade says it has been challenging to get enough gloves and face masks to safely care for pregnant women. © UNFPA Mozambique

05 May 2021