D 13 - Investing in Women and Resilient Health Systems

Sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) is an essential component of the Sustainable Development Goals. Improving SRMNAH requires increased commitment to, and investment in, the health workforce. The body of evidence demonstrating the return on investment in midwives has grown. It indicates that investing in midwives facilitates positive birth experiences and safe and effective comprehensive abortion services, improves health outcomes, augments labor supply, favors inclusive and equitable growth, facilitates economic stabilization, and can have a positive macroeconomic impact. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the importance of investing in primary health care for meeting population health needs. Midwives are essential providers of primary health care and can play a major role in this area as well as other levels of the health system: in addition to maternity care, they provide a wide range of clinical interventions and contribute to broader health goals, such as addressing sexual and reproductive rights, promoting self-care interventions and empowering women and adolescent girls. In this session, the importance to invest in the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health workforce in the light to build back better will be discussed. Speakers will review the latest evidence on midwifery and the investment and policies needed for a strong midwifery workforce to achieve UHC and for global health security.