International Midwives Day 2026

The Department of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal observed the ‘International Midwives Day 2026’ focusing on the theme “One Million More Midwives.” The programme was organized for the staff nurses of Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, with the objective of enhancing their knowledge and creating awareness about the theme of International Midwives Day. It also emphasized the significance of this year’s theme in strengthening the continuum of midwifery care, with a focus on improving antenatal, intranatal, postnatal, and neonatal health outcomes.

The program was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery (RMS) classroom, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, on 2^nd May 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The session commenced with a brief introduction highlighting the significance of the theme of the ‘International Midwives Day’ and the need to strengthen the midwifery workforce to strengthen the efforts to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. This was followed by a session on “Continuity of Midwifery Care in Norway” by Ms. Janne Gabrielle Hunsbeth, University Lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery, University of Stavanger, Norway, who emphasized woman-centered care and the benefits of continuum of midwifery care for   improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. The next session on “Continuum of Midwifery Care in India with special focus on the theme of this year - One Million More Midwives” was delivered by Mrs. Sweety J Fernandes, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, highlighting the current scenario, challenges and the continuum of midwifery care in India and the importance of skilled midwives in achieving national health targets pertaining to maternal and neonatal health The sessions enhanced knowledge regarding global and national midwifery practices, highlighted the need to strengthen the midwifery workforce, and emphasized the importance of continuity of care in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Following the formal sessions, learning cum recreational activities were held for the staff nurses which encouraged active participation, fostered teamwork, and contributed to stress relief among the participants. A prize distribution ceremony was conducted to recognize and appreciate the enthusiasm and active participation of the staff nurses in the activities. Total of 40 staff nurses actively participated and benefited from this program.

Radio Talk focusing on the Theme of International Women’s Day 2026:

A radio talk was broadcast to sensitize the public about the significance of the midwives in healthcare and focused on the theme “One Million More Midwives” - Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor MCON conducted the program along with the first year PBBSc students of MCON, MAHE, Manipal - Mrs. Sarita Mendonca and Ms. Criselle Danthy. The talk was broadcast on Radio Manipal 90.4 MHz on 05 May 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and was rebroadcast on 6^th  May 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Televised Talk on the Theme of International Women’s Day 2026

The Department of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, Manipal, also organized a televised program focusing on the theme of International Women’s Day 2026. The program, titled “Care by Midwives,” aimed to sensitize the public to the significance of this year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives.”

Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, delivered an informative talk emphasizing comprehensive midwifery care, including antenatal, intranatal, postnatal, neonatal care, and breastfeeding practices.

An article on “International Midwives Day- 2026 – Mother and infant Comprehensive care”: authored by Dr. Maria Pais, a faculty member of the Department of OBG Nursing, MCON, MAHE, was published in Sanje Prabha news magazine on May 5, 2026.

The talk was telecast on TV U Channel on 05 May 2026 at 7:00 p.m., and was rebroadcast on 7^th  May 2026 at 2:00 pm as well as on 8^th  May 2026 at 10 am IST.

The activities undertaken as part of the observance of the International Midwives Day 2026 were planned and executed by Dr Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, under the guidance of Dr. Sonia R.B D’Souza, Professor and Head, Department of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. The well-organized activities, including the public events through TV and Radio talks, fulfilled the objectives of enhancing academic/continual education/upskilling for the staff nurses and strengthening community engagement. They also make a meaningful contribution towards advancing the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.