Training Midwives in Afghanistan

We appreciate the support we receive from dedicated donors on this platform and also external donors. The donations contribute to lives being saved in Afghanistan. The impact of a trained midwife extends far beyond the delivery room. Every safe birth represents not only a life saved, but also a healthier future for a mother, her child, and the entire family. By providing skilled care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, midwives help prevent complications that too often lead to maternal and newborn deaths. They also educate women on nutrition, breastfeeding, family planning and newborn care, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

For women living in Afghanistan’s remote and underserved communities, a trained midwife is often the only healthcare professional they can access. In areas where health facilities are scarce and transportation is limited, particularly during harsh winters or periods of insecurity, the presence of a skilled midwife can mean the difference between life and death.

Action for Development completed a training course for 20 trainers in Parwan province who expanded the training to further over 100 midwives through a cascade model. 

“Every healthy mother and baby gives hope to an entire family,” one if trainees explains. “When women know that skilled care is available nearby, they feel safer and more confident during pregnancy and childbirth.”

Beyond saving lives, midwives serve as trusted members of their communities. They support women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, build awareness of healthy practices, and encourage families to seek timely medical care when complications arise. Their work contributes to healthier households, stronger communities and improved prospects for future generations.

Despite the challenges they face, Afghanistan’s midwives continue to serve on the frontlines of healthcare, often working in difficult and resource-constrained environments. Many travel long distances to reach patients, provide services with limited equipment and supplies, and remain committed to caring for women and newborns under challenging circumstances. Their dedication ensures that essential healthcare reaches those who need it most, even in the country’s most isolated regions.

However, the need remains immense. Thousands of women continue to face pregnancy and childbirth without access to skilled care, while communities across the country require additional trained health workers to meet growing needs. Continued investment in midwifery education, professional development and deployment is critical to closing this gap. The problem further escalates with schools for girls being closed after 13 years old and education prohibited. 

Support from donors gives us possibilities to support the women in need. Contributions help train new midwives, provide them with the tools and supplies necessary to deliver quality care, strengthen health facilities, and expand access to lifesaving maternal and newborn health services in underserved areas. Every investment in a midwife creates a ripple effect that benefits countless women, children and families over many years.

When a midwife is trained, an entire community gains access to safer pregnancies, safer births and healthier futures. The impact of that training is measured not only in statistics, but in mothers who survive childbirth, babies who celebrate their first birthdays, and families who can look forward to a brighter future.

Against considerable odds, Afghanistan’s midwives are not only saving lives—they are building healthier, more resilient communities, one mother and one newborn at a time. With continued support and investment, their lifesaving work can reach even more women and families across the country. Partners with us in supporting this path.