Nigeria launches new strategy to address midwife shortage
The Federal Government has introduced a national plan to tackle the shortage of midwives in Nigeria. Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced that the initiative aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The plan focuses on expanding training, creating jobs, and modernising midwifery education. Stakeholders stress that better working conditions and sustained investment are crucial for success.
Highlights
- The new strategy, Nigeria Strategic Direction for Midwifery 2025–2030, was launched in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Midwife.
- Prof. Ali Pate said the government will expand training institutions, increase student intake, and modernise midwifery education.
- The plan aims to create employment, remove recruitment barriers, and ensure fair deployment of midwives, especially in rural areas.
- Dr Ndagi Alhassan of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria highlighted that one in every four maternal deaths globally occurs in Nigeria.
- Stakeholders, including Haruna Mamman, called for improved welfare, better working conditions, and more investment in education to reduce maternal deaths.
