Community Midwifery - A Strategy to Reduce Maternal Mortality

Midwives form an important part of the health workforce in many countries. Midwives have always been around to help women give birth. Before physicians, midwives were the primary healers in their communities. Over 70% of births in the world are attended by midwives. Maternity services have been consistently shaped by government reports, policies and programmes. Community based maternity service models are gaining more attention, as they have tremendous potential to facilitate outcome oriented services, in terms of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.