New study on the Safe Delivery+ programme in humanitarian settings

New paper explores how midwives in challenging environments can improve maternal and newborn care through targeted training and support.

By Sonali Das, Astrid Else Groenbaek, Julie Strøyer Rasmussen, Rajat Anilkumar, Katrine Kjærulff and Abra Pearl (Maternity Foundation) and Jihan Salad and Ali Hasan Al-Gharabli (UNFPA).

Many women and children around the world are impacted by conflict, instability, and displacement, resulting in limited access to critical healthcare services. Midwives play a vital role in providing maternal, newborn, and reproductive healthcare, particularly in these settings. However, they often face obstacles such as safety and security concerns, cultural and gender barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of educational opportunities. 

The paper “Strengthening the capacity of midwives in humanitarian and fragile settings using the Safe Delivery+ programme: Lessons from implementation in Jordan” explores how midwives in challenging environments can improve maternal and newborn care through targeted training and support. It discusses the urgent need to build skills and resilience among midwives working in humanitarian and fragile settings, focusing on the Jordan context. 

The Safe Delivery+ programme was designed to address these challenges by offering practical, evidence-based training and ongoing support for midwives. The initiative emphasises mentorship, professional development, supportive supervision, and tailored workforce planning. By boosting midwives’ knowledge, skills, and confidence, the programme helps improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns, even in the face of adversity. 

The key lesson is that the need for continuous education and practical training are critical for helping midwives respond to emergencies and routine challenges. 

The paper calls for stronger investment in midwifery programmes, more action and funding to scale such initiatives, and a sustained commitment to building the capacity of midwives everywhere, especially in humanitarian settings. Improving midwifery care benefits women, families, and communities, helping save lives and promote wellbeing in some of the world’s toughest circumstances. 

Read the full paper here: International Journal of Midwifery and Nursing practice