8 May 2025, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – The Islamic Republic of Iran celebrated International Midwifery Day, held this year on 6 May under the theme Midwives: critical in every crisis. The celebration builds on the momentum of World Health Day 2025 and its theme Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, calling for greater recognition and investment in midwives, essential figures who make healthy beginnings possible.
The commemoration began with a series of speeches by prominent figures including Deputy Minister for Public Health Dr Alireza Raeisi, Deputy Minister for Curative Affairs Dr Sajad-Razavi and the Director General for Hospital Management and Clinical Excellence, Dr Alireza Askari.
The event was attended by Iranian midwives working in different field, including in health service delivery, as health care providers, as managers and academy members.
WHO Representative and Head of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain delivered a keynote speech, as did United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative.
Dr Hussain highlighted the unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions of midwives to maternal and newborn health and emphasized their commitment to providing compassionate and skillful care as a cornerstone of the health care system, ensuring safe deliveries and promoting the well-being of mothers and infants across the country.
He elaborated on the diverse roles of midwives as gatekeepers at primary health care facilities, known as moraghebe-salamat, and as integral members of family practice teams, highlighting that midwifery is a calling that requires immense courage, empathy and expertise.
In conclusion, Dr Hussain acknowledged the tireless efforts of midwives in the face of challenges, their ability to offer comfort and support and their role in empowering women. He also commended the commitment policy-makers to harnessing the power of midwives in protecting the health of everyone.
Laureate midwives working in different provinces and universities of medical sciences received appreciation notes during the ceremony which served as a powerful reminder of the critical role midwives play in the health care system and the need for continued support and investment in their profession.