On this International Day of the Midwife 2025, the Ifakara Health Institute joins the global community in celebrating midwives—healthcare professionals who provide expert care and support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, labor, and after birth.

In Tanzania, through the NEST360 program, midwives and healthcare workers are being equipped with essential skills to provide quality newborn care and are key contributors to the success of the program.

According to the International Confederation of Midwives, even with limited resources  are often trusted first responders and key providers of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) services.

Today, we celebrate not only their care but also their resilience and dedication to empowering women and saving lives.

About NEST360
The Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) is a global initiative working to reduce newborn deaths by 50% in hospitals across Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria. The program is built on sustainable, evidence-based solutions that strengthen health systems through better tools, training, and infrastructure. In Tanzania, NEST360 collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health to improve care in neonatal units nationwide.

Today and every day, we thank midwives for their service and stand committed to supporting their work through training, technology, and advocacy.