Africa’s male midwives are rare but increasing in the fight against pregnancy deaths
Summary
In Lesotho, a small number of men are becoming midwives to help reduce high maternal death rates during childbirth. Traditionally, midwifery is seen as women’s work, but more male midwives are joining to support pregnant women in this mountainous country.Key Facts
- Lesotho has about 300 male midwives, though exact numbers by gender are not officially recorded.
- The maternal death rate in Lesotho is about 530 deaths per 100,000 live births, much higher than the global average of 200.
- Male midwives are rare worldwide, making up less than 1% of all midwives according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Midwifery is traditionally viewed as women’s work in Lesotho and many African societies have conservative views on men in this role.
- Male midwives like Sehloho Sehloho provide prenatal care, helping women feel comfortable during their visits.
- Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of maternal deaths globally, with around 180,000 pregnancy-related deaths each year on the continent.
- WHO and UNICEF encourage more people, both men and women, to become midwives to address shortages in childbirth care professionals.
- Sehloho Sehloho has worked as a midwife for two decades and travels long distances to clinics in rural areas.
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