ENMW2026

"Today at the start of the European Nurses and Midwives Week, as President and a proud midwife, I warmly extend my greetings to all midwives across Europe and around the world on behalf of EFNNMA. '1 million more midwives' is the official theme for the International Day of the Midwife 2026. It represents more than a slogan; it is a global campaign and petition aiming to gather 1 million signatures in support of this urgent call to action. It is a shared demand essential, grounded in evidence and driven by the realities that midwives and women face every day.

Midwives provide essential care across the entire life course—from pregnancy and birth to reproductive health, breastfeeding support, and beyond. Yet the world does not have enough midwives. New global evidence highlights a critical shortage. Without urgent investment in education, decent employment, leadership, and regulation, millions of women and families will continue to miss out on the care they need.

So why do midwives matter? When midwives are properly trained, supported, and integrated into health systems, outcomes improve: care becomes safer, more respectful, and more accessible, and lives are saved. Globally, an additional 1 million midwives are needed to meet essential health needs. In Europe, there are also clear imbalances in workforce numbers. If evidence-based midwifery models were fully embedded in maternity services, significant workforce gaps would become even more visible across many of our member states. Let us remember this guiding principle: the right person in the right place at the right time optimizes outcomes.

Beyond these numbers are real lives, real families, and real opportunities for change. Midwives could prevent 67% of maternal deaths, reduce newborn deaths and stillbirths by 60%, support breastfeeding, safeguard women's rights, and provide care in even the most fragile and crisis settings. We need to stand together on this International Day of the Midwife. The world is already listening. Together, we must continue to speak clearly and act urgently. Join the global call, support midwives, save lives. It is not too late to sign the petition for 1 million more midwives via the ICM website. This is one simple but powerful action you can take during this week and encourage others around you to do the same. Let's make this a joyful, meaningful effort that will improve the lives of many. Have a fantastic International Day of the Midwife and a wonderful start to this special week. A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you."

"My name is Mervi Jokinen, I'm the President of the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA). I'm delighted to launch the European Nurses and Midwives Week 2026. This special week runs from 5th of May till the 12th of May, beginning with the International Day of the Midwife and concluding on the International Nurses Day. It is a busy and celebratory time for both professions as we highlight our shared themes: '1 million more midwives' and 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives'.

Across Europe, EFNNMA members are actively participating in national, regional, and local events raising awareness of the key issues that we face. We are engaging with policymakers, professional colleagues, regulators, and most importantly, the public—the citizens we serve. Now it is time to speak positively about our roles and celebrate the essential work carried out every day across our region. This is why EFNNMA's theme for European Nurses and Midwives Week is Standing with Nurses and Midwives. Let EFNNMA know what events you have organized or attended and we will put you on the map. Enjoy your week!"