Document Type
Article
DOI
10.71071/JAM/v11i2.1.6
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Abstract
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework for global development. Midwives are playing an important role in achieving the targets of the world’s priority agendas. They are actively involved in achieving the targets of SDG#2 by providing education to women on their nutritional requirements, supporting postnatal women with breastfeeding, and educating communities on the use of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene management. Beyond counseling and educating communities on nutrition and hygiene management, they are also involved in improving other health-related outcomes that are indicators for SDG#3, such as improving maternal and child immunization, counseling mothers on tobacco cessation during pregnancy, educating women to prevent communicable diseases such as malaria, tetanus, and tuberculosis, providing care to mothers suffering with postpartum depression, and promoting safe motherhood to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths. Midwives play a vital role in women’s empowerment to achieve SDG #5 targets. They respond to women’s psycho-emotional needs and build a relationship of trust and empathy through guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their pregnancy and postnatal period. They are also supporting in achieving the targets of SDGs 16 and 17 by working as advocates and policy leaders to develop national and international guidelines, strategic plans, and policies for vulnerable and underprivileged communities, and by building global partnerships for the improvement of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Midwives have been catalysts in making significant changes in healthcare. Overall, they are making valuable efforts to achieve the targets of global SDGs.
Recommended Citation
Khowaja, B M, & Darling, E K. The role of midwives in achieving the global sustainable development goals. Journal of Asian Midwives. 2024;11(2):49–54.
