The 29th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives

The 29th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives was held in Durban, South Africa, from 19-23 June 2011. This global midwifery event brought together 3000 midwives from over 100 countries to advocate for the critical role of midwives in reducing maternal and newborn mortality, and to share best practices, experiences and knowledge.

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) supports, represents and works to strengthen professional associations of midwives on a global basis. At present ICM has 106 Member Associations in 94 countries. The ICM works with midwives and midwifery associations globally to secure women’s right and access to midwifery care before, during and after childbirth. They have worked alongside UN agencies and other partners for decades in global initiatives to help reduce the numbers of mothers and babies who die in and around childbirth, and evidence is growing that shows expanding midwifery care is one of the best ways to combat maternal mortality. The drive for safer motherhood continues to gain strength as more women worldwide achieve access to midwifery care. Please use the website to find out more about the ICM and its member associations, its work and projects, and many publications and documents that you may find helpful.