Descriptor:

This sub-theme explores the critical midwifery workforce shortage with the impact  on the role of midwives in achieving universal access to quality maternal and new-born care, mitigating litigation risks, and ultimately saving millions of the lives of women and babies.

 We invite abstracts that address (but not limited to) the following areas:

• Innovative strategies to increase access to skilled midwifery care, particularly in resource-constrained settings
• Improving quality of care through evidence-based practices, standards, and guidelines
• Innovative models of midwifery-led care that improve access, quality, and equity
• Strengthening midwifery education and training programs to address global shortages

Descriptor:

The shortage of one million midwives results in an overburdened health care systems, leading to provision of care that is rushed, fragmented and exposure to unnecessary interventions.
This sub-theme focuses on the transformative potential of a robust midwifery workforce in driving health system strengthening.

We invite abstracts that explore (but not limited to):

• Supportive and an enabling environment.
• Health workforce information systems
• Midwifery professional identity
• Maternal and Child health workforce planning including staffing norms
• Strategies to integrate midwives into health systems, including policy, regulation, and governance
• Recruitment, deployment and retention of the midwifery workforce.
• Scope of practice

Descriptor:

Midwives are widely recognised as an integral element of the strategy to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. This sub-theme explores the critical role of midwives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We invite abstracts that examine (but not limited to):

• The contributions of midwives to achieving SDG targets
• Partnerships and collaborations to accelerate progress towards the SDGs
• Strengthening midwifery education and training to address the SDGs
• Gender norms and cultural perceptions during pregnancy and childbirth ( Social determinants of health - Equality, Quality education, Empowerment, Economic growth, Reduced inequalities).

Descriptor:

The care rendered in early life has  lasting impact on maternal and new-born health outcomes.
This sub-theme focuses on the critical importance of care during the first days of life, aimed at ending preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths.

We invite abstracts that explore(but not limited to) :

• The impact of early skin-to-skin contact, nutrition, and new-born care practices on short- and long-term health outcomes
• Innovative strategies to improve the quality and accessibility for newborn care
• Postnatal care – the critical period for survival of mothers and newborns
• The role of midwives and other healthcare providers in promoting healthy start initiatives and nurturing care
• Addressing disparities and inequities in access to early newborn care
• Collaborative and multisectoral partnerships

Descriptor:

This sub-theme focuses on promoting human rights, wellness, mental health, and respectful maternity care for women and families.

We invite abstracts that explore (but not limited to):

• Strategies to promote respectful maternity care and reduce disrespect and obstetric abuse
• Approaches to integrating mental health and psychosocial support into maternity care
• The role of midwives and healthcare providers in promoting women's rights and empowerment
• Innovative models of care that prioritize women's autonomy, dignity, and choice
• Addressing systemic barriers to respectful care, including policy, culture, and social norms

Descriptor:

This sub-theme celebrates the courage, resilience, and dedication of midwives working in diverse contexts, often under challenging circumstances.

We invite abstracts that share (but not limited to):

• Explorations of the emotional and psychological aspects of midwifery practice
• Uncovering the often-overlooked contributions of midwives to healthcare systems and communities
• Personal narratives of midwives' experiences, challenges, and triumphs
• Stories of midwives driving innovation, leadership, and advocacy in their communities
• Reflections on the impact of midwives' work – lived experiences.
• Public awareness
• Stakeholders involvement