International Day of the Midwife 2026 celebrated across HSE Dublin and Midlands

• “One Million More Midwives” – recognising the vital role of midwives in supporting women, babies and families

HSE Dublin and Midlands is proud to mark International Day of the Midwife, joining colleagues across Ireland and around the world to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of midwives.

Celebrated annually on 5 May, this day highlights the essential role midwives play in supporting the health and wellbeing of women, newborns, families and communities.

This year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives,” reflects a clear and evidence-based global call to strengthen and invest in the midwifery workforce.

Midwives provide vital care across the life course, supporting women and families before, during and after birth, at some of life’s most important moments. However, global shortages remain, and in many settings, midwives are not enabled to practise to the full scope of their expertise.

Eileen Whelan, Regional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, HSE Dublin and Midlands, said: “Today, on International Day of the Midwife, we join colleagues across Ireland and around the world to recognise the extraordinary contribution of midwives. Midwives provide vital care across the life course, supporting women and families before, during and after birth, at some of life’s most important moments.

Evidence shows that when midwives are educated, supported and fully integrated into health systems, outcomes improve. Maternal and newborn deaths decrease, and care becomes more accessible and respectful. Here in our region, we see every day the professionalism, leadership and compassion of our midwives. You advocate for women and families, lead service innovation, and contribute to research, education and quality improvement across our services. Your expertise matters. Your leadership matters. Your voice matters.

Today, we celebrate you and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and sustainably developing midwifery for the future, ensuring midwives can practise to their full scope in safe, supportive environments. Because behind the call for one million more midwives are real women, real families and real communities. And investing in midwives saves lives.”

International Day of the Midwife 2026 - Eileen Whelan (video)

Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and Midlands added: “International Day of the Midwife is an important opportunity to recognise the dedication, expertise and compassion of our midwives across Dublin and the Midlands. Every day, they provide safe, person-centred care, supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Investing in midwifery is essential to improving outcomes for women, babies and communities, and I would like to sincerely thank all of our midwives for the invaluable role they play in our health services.”

International Day of the Midwife 2026 - Kate Killeen White (video)

Midwifery care is a cornerstone of a strong and responsive health service, contributing to positive clinical outcomes, improved experiences for women and families, and more sustainable models of care.

To mark International Day of the Midwife, a range of activities took place across the region to celebrate the contribution of midwives, raise awareness of the profession, and highlight the importance of continued investment in midwifery services.

HSE Dublin and Midlands encourages staff, partners and the public to join us in recognising midwives and to support this year’s campaign.

Midwifery Sponsorship Programme Webinar

• Calling all General Nurses!
• Applications for the 2026/2027 Higher Diploma in Midwifery HSE Sponsorship Programme will open from 27 May to 10 June 2026.
• The HSE are holding an information webinar to learn more about the role and what the Programme has to offer.
• Wednesday, 13 May 2025, 7pm to 8pm (UTC) 
• Click here to register for the webinar. 
• Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become a Midwife!

Join the HSE Career Hub

• Join the HSE Career Hub and start receiving custom weekly job opportunities and search all current job opportunities, including midwifery vacancies in HSE Dublin and Midlands.