B2 – Upper Intermediate
A new global report reveals a shortfall of nearly 1 million midwives, severely affecting maternal and newborn care worldwide. Around 90% of this shortage is in low- and middle-income countries, especially across Africa.
Read the article to know why experts warn that increasing training and deploying more midwives could prevent 4.3 million deaths annually by 2035, but this requires urgent investment and policy action.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “antenatal care” mean? ” The tasks included counselling on contraception, antenatal care and screening, and care during childbirth.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “stillbirth” mean? “According to previous research, universal access to midwife-delivered care could prevent two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths, saving 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “shortfall” mean? “Shortfalls were much smaller, although still present, in other regions including south-east Asia and Europe.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think there is a global shortage of midwives?
- How can the lack of midwives affect mothers during pregnancy and childbirth?
- Which countries or regions do you think are most affected by this problem, and why?
- What should governments do to encourage more people to become midwives?
- Do you think international support is necessary to solve this issue? Why or why not?