ICN President supports 100 years of the International Confederation of Midwives and calls for investment

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is proud to join the International Confederation of Midwives’ (ICM) celebration and support of midwives on International Day of the Midwife (IDM), 5 May, and throughout the year.

This year, ICM is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the tremendous progress made, collectively and individually, by midwives throughout history. IDM2022 celebrates the evidence that “increased investments in midwives and midwifery have led to healthier, happier families and communities in every corner of the world”.

ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano congratulated the International Confederation of Midwives on their 100th anniversary, saying:

“Throughout history, nurses and midwives have worked closely together and, today, the International Council of Nurses is proud to celebrate the 100 years of the ICM and our sister profession of midwifery.

‘We have all witnessed the incredible progress of the profession of midwifery in meeting the sexual and reproductive needs of women across the globe. The 2021 State of the World’s Midwifery report has shown the impact that midwifery delivered interventions can have on the reduction of maternal and infant mortality, as well as many other Sustainable Development Goals.

‘Yet, like nursing, there continues to be underinvestment in the profession and the 2021 SDG report shows that the COVID-19 pandemic could stall a decade of progress in reproductive health, maternal health and child health.

'We must continue to invest in, advance and support midwives and midwifery across the world for the health of women, newborns and all people.”

Download the communique here