Beyond Delivery: How Midwives are Driving the Transformation of Global Public Health

Gloria Florensia Br Surbakti Jumat, Juli 17, 2026
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FORMOSA NEWS

A groundbreaking review published in June 2026 reveals that midwives are playing an increasingly critical role in transforming global public health, moving far beyond their traditional associations with childbirth. The study, authored by Loso Judijanto from the Institute of Policy and Social Studies (IPOSS) Jakarta, examines how modern midwives serve as crucial public health actors, health educators, and community change agents. Published in the Multitech Journal of Science and Technology (MJST), this research highlights how integrated midwifery care within primary health systems is essential for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, addressing reproductive health disparities, and achieving universal health coverage.

The Evolving Landscape of Maternal and Child Healthcare

While global health indicators have improved over the past decade, preventable maternal and newborn deaths remain a critical public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Delays in accessing care, uneven service quality, and fragmented continuity of care continue to threaten vulnerable populations.

At the same time, the global public health landscape is facing a "double burden" of disease, characterized by the persistent threat of infectious illnesses alongside a rise in non-communicable diseases like maternal obesity and gestational diabetes. This shift requires a major transformation in how primary care is delivered. Midwives are uniquely positioned to meet these demands because they operate at the intersection of family clinical needs, community social norms, and primary healthcare systems.

Methodology: Synthesis of Global Healthcare Evidence

To understand the full scope of this healthcare transition, Loso Judijanto of IPOSS Jakarta conducted an integrative qualitative literature review. The methodology involved a thematic, argumentative synthesis of reputable international and national journal articles, alongside global policy guidelines from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).

The analysis mapped key conceptual themes—ranging from clinical outcomes to the socioeconomic and technological aspects of midwifery—to evaluate the systemic barriers and strategic solutions shaping modern midwifery.

Key Findings: Midwives as Agents of Social and Clinical Change

The study synthesized several critical insights regarding the modern role of midwives:

  • Clinical and Preventive Gatekeepers: Midwives do not merely assist during labor. They serve as primary care gatekeepers, performing early screenings for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, anemia, and mental health challenges, which prevents complications before they become life-threatening.
  • The Power of Trust and Communication: Because midwives build long-term, trust-based relationships with families, they are highly effective at overcoming cultural barriers, encouraging vaccination uptake, promoting stunting prevention, and ensuring timely hospital referrals.
  • A Promising Resource for Mental Health: Perinatal depression and anxiety significantly impact mother-infant bonding and child development. The study highlights midwives as the most promising professional group for early detection and psychosocial support, utilizing tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
  • Drivers of Reproductive Autonomy: Through non-coercive counseling on contraception and family planning, midwives directly support gender equality by empowering women to make informed choices about their education, careers, and family spacing.
  • Digital Health Integration: Digital tools—such as remote consultations, electronic health records, and pregnancy tracking apps—are expanding care to remote areas. However, the study notes that digital technology must support, not replace, the personal relationship between midwives and patients.

Real-World Impact and Policy Implications

The findings of this study offer a clear roadmap for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and academic institutions worldwide. To fully leverage the potential of midwives, governments must transition from viewing midwifery as a clinical technical task to treating it as a cornerstone of public health infrastructure.

This transition requires policy investments in competency-based midwifery education, structured career paths, and formal leadership roles. When midwives are included in program planning and decision-making, maternal and neonatal policies are far more reflective of community realities. Furthermore, addressing systemic challenges—such as uneven staff distribution, high workloads, and the lack of essential clinical supplies in remote areas—is crucial to preventing professional burnout and ensuring service quality.

Perspectives from the Field

According to the study's author, establishing supportive professional environments is just as important as training new personnel. In the article, Loso Judijanto of IPOSS Jakarta emphasizes:

"The role of midwives in maternal and child health is at its best when they have quality education, clear authority, strong regulations, facility support, and integration with the referral system... Policies that only increase the number of midwives without improving the practice environment, referral systems, job welfare, and career opportunities won't lead to meaningful change."

Author Profile

Loso Judijanto holds an academic degree and is a prominent researcher affiliated with IPOSS Jakarta, Indonesia. His field of expertise spans public health administration, healthcare policy, reproductive health systems, and strategic management in primary care. His recent research focuses on strengthening healthcare workforces to achieve sustainable development goals and equitable health coverage.

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Gloria Florensia Br Surbakti

Diposting oleh Gloria Florensia Br Surbakti

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