Making pregnancy safer: The critical role of the skilled attendant

Overview

In this statement, WHO, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) advocate for skilled care for all women during pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period. This document is especially aimed at countries in which the coverage of skilled attendance at birth is below 85%. It defines clearly who is a skilled attendant, what skills she/he should have and how she/he should be trained and supported.