Historical background

It is being gradually recognized that Pakistan's high Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) cannot be brought down unless the country produces competent midwives to give care to every woman during her maternity cycle.

In 2003-4, a group of obstetricians and nurse-midwives who were working together felt the need for a professional midwifery association in Pakistan. They asked other nurse-midwives, Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and pupil midwives and everyone unanimously agreed.

With the combined effort of midwives and obstetricians, the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP) was established in February 2005.

MAP is working to establish the identity of midwives in Pakistan as qualified professionals. The organization has over 350 active members, including nurse-midwives, midwives and lady health visitors from all over Pakistan.

MAP aims to assist the government in developing a human resource plan for the training and utilization of midwives. It is working to improve the standards of midwifery education in the public and private sector and is lobbying for the professional rights of midwives in Pakistan.

MAP is also working towards the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality by providing skilled care to women through competent midwives, during the entire maternity cycle, irrespective of the place of delivery.

MAP is diligently working towards the achievement of MDGs 4 and 5.