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The scale and frequency of climate and natural disasters in Somalia in the last few years have resulted in unmitigated hardship for women and girls, who often bear the brunt of these crises. Drought, floods, and related disasters have displaced millions. Pregnant women and lactating mothers tend to face amplified risks of these catastrophic climate events. Seeking safety often pushes them far away from readily available medical care. These conditions have made the role of midwives invaluable.
Midwives play a crucial role in making healthcare more accessible and ensuring timely support for women, easing access to reproductive health services and safe childbirth during periods of climate emergencies. But the global shortage of midwives is concerning — particularly in Somalia, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates worldwide.
Drought and high temperatures tend to exacerbate maternal health issues such as premature births and miscarriages. When heavy downpours and floods force women to leave their homes for safer shelters, the local midwives even serve as first responders in these crises. These frontline workers already know how to assist during floods, fires, and earthquakes, making them pivotal to mother and child health needs that arise. As experts warn of more severe and widespread climate-related disasters, midwives will remain increasingly vital to the wellbeing of mothers and children in hard-to-reach areas in Somalia. UNFPA has already helped educate nearly 500,000 midwives globally, supporting 1,600 midwifery schools around the world. With your support, we can deliver even more care to pregnant women through the lifesaving work of midwives. Thank you for not looking away from these crises. — USA for UNFPA |
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