In celebration of the International Day of the Midwife 2016, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) was proud to co-host the Inaugural Global Midwifery Conference Nigeria, alongside the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and UNFPA, held in Abuja on 4th–5th May 2016. This landmark gathering united global midwifery experts, national policymakers, and frontline health workers from all 36 states of the federation, making it one of the largest and most impactful assemblies of maternal health advocates ever held in Nigeria.
Themed “Women and Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery”, the conference reinforced the vital role of midwives as champions of maternal, newborn, and child health. As Nigeria continues to grapple with high maternal and infant mortality rates, this conference served as a powerful reminder that trained, well-equipped, and respected midwives are central to reversing this trend.
Watch the Highlights
A Personal Commitment to Change
In her welcome message, Toyin Ojora Saraki, Global Goodwill Ambassador of the International Confederation of Midwives and Founder-President of WBFA, reflected on Nigeria’s urgent need for strengthened midwifery systems.
“In the face of preventable maternal, child, and infant death and suffering stands this steadfast, selfless and often-neglected army of midwives and nurses. Nigeria is a country poised with the potential to make the greatest progress, if—and only if—we ensure a better trained, well-resourced, competent midwifery workforce.”
Mrs. Saraki emphasized the importance of transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with renewed focus on the interconnected challenges of maternal and newborn health, and the role of skilled midwives in delivering respectful, dignified care.
Building Skills, Sharing Knowledge
The conference focused on lifelong learning and skills development. Sessions included technical workshops on:
- ・Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevention and the midwives’ role in advocacy
- ・Continuum of Care from birth to paediatric wellbeing
- ・Competency-based LARC training manuals for midwives
- ・Newborn critical care, growth monitoring, immunisation, and respectful maternity care
These sessions were complemented by insightful abstract presentations, covering topics such as postnatal family planning practices, simulation-based training in midwifery, and the importance of woman-centred care.
View the Full Conference Programme
You can download the full PDF report here.
Image Highlights from the Conference
A Platform for Policy Impact
From the roundtable discussions to abstract presentations and networking opportunities, this conference also served as a platform for influencing national health priorities. It highlighted how critical it is for policy-makers, partners, and institutions to work together to scale midwifery leadership, strengthen education, and invest in the professional development of midwives across Nigeria.
“Investing in the continuing professional development for all midwives demonstrates our commitment to improving maternal and child health and their maternity experience.”
– Dr. Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Professor of Midwifery, NHS England
Looking Forward
At WBFA, our commitment to midwifery as a frontline force for maternal and newborn survival remains steadfast. Through our MamaCare Antenatal and Postnatal Education Programme, we continue to support midwives as they deliver skilled, respectful care across communities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners, speakers, and delegates who participated in #IDMNigeria2016. Together, we are building a future where every woman and every newborn not only survives but thrives—because every birth counts.