When every woman has access to a trained, compassionate midwife, we move closer to a world where every childbirth is safe.
In times of crisis, midwives are often the first—and sometimes only—health providers reaching women and newborns in the hardest-to-reach places. Whether responding to natural disasters, conflict, or displacement, they deliver life-saving sexual and reproductive health care, support survivors of gender-based violence, and restore hope where health systems have broken down.
Since 2011, UNFPA has helped train over 4,400 midwives in Ethiopia, contributing to a national workforce of more than 23,000. Our support has focused on improving training quality, strengthening leadership, and expanding midwifery care, especially in crisis settings.
This year, we mark International Day of the Midwife under the theme “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis.” As the first responders in emergencies, midwives are vital to protecting the health and dignity of women and newborns everywhere.
Meet the Midwives on the Front Lines
From Benishangul-Gumuz to Oromia, Somali, Sidama, and Gambella, we've selected five extraordinary midwives deployed by UNFPA—true heroes delivering care in some of Ethiopia’s most remote and underserved communities. Their stories reflect courage, compassion, and the critical role midwives play in every crisis.
Gizachew Eyayu
Gizachew Eyayu
After earning his BSc in Midwifery, Gizachew was deployed to Sherkole Health Center, serving 30,000 people in hard-to-reach villages. Despite the difficult journey, 100 km of rough, often impassable roads, Gizachew knew this was exactly where he was meant to be.
Wubayehu grew up in Adama, Oromia, where stories of women facing challenges during childbirth inspired him to pursue midwifery. Driven by compassion and a desire to serve his community, he embraced the profession wholeheartedly, combining technical skill with empathy to support mothers through safe childbirth.
Growing up in Wurgessa, Abeba witnessed the hardships women faced during pregnancy and childbirth. Driven by a deep desire to help, she pursued midwifery not just as a career, but as a calling to uplift and care for the women in her community.
Growing up in Sidama, Tigist witnessed the risks women faced during childbirth, long journeys to health centers and home deliveries without skilled care. These challenges inspired her to become a midwife and ensure mothers in remote areas get the support they deserve.
Abeba, a midwife with 27 years of experience, serves at Karamara General Hospital with unwavering dedication. Supported by UNFPA, she provides lifesaving care and guidance to mothers, ensuring safe deliveries and healthier futures. Her decades of service have empowered countless women, making her a true champion of safe motherhood.
