Manila, June 16 -- Leading health agencies and international partners have officially united to elevate the status and training of Filipino midwives, positioning them as a cornerstone of the country's push for Universal Health Care (UHC).

In a news release on Tuesday, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said it has adopted a new, expanded Midwifery Competency Framework together with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Midwives, especially in local communities, serve as the absolute frontline for maternal and newborn health.

However, the current system faces severe strain, resulting in a gap in care access, including quality sexual and repro...