The Midwives Alliance of Asia (MAA), with the support of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM), hosted its inaugural strategic direction meeting in Islamabad. Dr Rafat Jan, Associate Dean of Outreach & Policy at AKU-SONAM, and President of the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP), led the initiative. Dr Salimah Walani, Dean AKU-SONAM was guest of honor at the opening ceremony.

The meeting brought together midwifery leaders from ten member countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, UAE, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and ​Yemen.

The initiative aimed to advance midwifery across the region by fostering South-to-South collaboration among midwifery leaders. During the meeting, the alliance initiated the development of a strategic direction outlining areas for collaboration and cooperation, marking the first step in a unified midwifery effort to improve sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH).

The 3-day programme was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the New Venture Fund (NVF).

“We are deeply grateful to the BMGF and NVF for their support of the Midwives Alliance of Asia (MAA). Every participant made thoughtful contributions, offering invaluable insights that will help shape future collaborations,” said Dr Rafat Jan. 

The collective efforts during the meeting highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare.

“Healthy mothers and healthy babies are the cornerstone of a healthy nation. Pakistan’s midwives deserve recognition for leading the effort to strengthen midwifery across Asia,” said Della Sherratt, International Midwifery Advisor and Technical Advisor for the MAA strategic workshop.

With continued support it is envisioned that the MAA is positioned to drive significant improvements in maternal, neonatal and child healthcare across Asia.