Nassau, The Bahamas., 5 May 2026 - The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) joined the Midwives Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (MACB) for its annual symposium marking the International Day of the Midwife 2026.
The symposium was held under the global theme “One Million More Midwives”. Dr. Anton Best, Advisor, Health Systems and Services, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
The theme responds to a global shortage of nearly one million midwives. Universal access to midwife-delivered care could prevent 67% of maternal deaths, 64% of newborn deaths, and 65% of stillbirths, saving as many as 4.3 million lives by 2035. Midwives educated, regulated, and supported to international standards can deliver up to 90% of essential maternal and newborn health services.
The address placed the theme in the national context. The National Health Strategy 2026-2030 provides a mandate for strengthening nursing and midwifery capacity, and the Country Cooperation Strategy 2026-2031 aligns with these priorities.
It called for investment across four pillars: education and competency; employment and equitable deployment, including to the Family Islands; enabling practice environments; and leadership and voice for midwives in policy and planning.
“In small health systems like ours, one lost midwife does not mean a gap of one; it can mean the loss of an entire service line,” Dr. Best said. “The evidence is clear, investing in midwives is not optional; it is essential.”
PAHO/WHO continues to work with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Public Hospitals Authority, and the nursing and midwifery professional associations to strengthen the workforce through planning, leadership development, and continuing professional development, in line with the Regional Nursing Body’s Strategic Plan for Nursing and Midwifery 2025-2035. This cooperation responds to the distinct workforce and service delivery challenges of an archipelagic small island developing state.
PAHO/WHO commends the Association for its leadership and remains committed to supporting midwives across The Bahamas to provide quality, respectful care.
