PURPOSE:
Climate change is increasingly affecting maternal and newborn health, creating an urgent need to equip midwives with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively. Based on global research and field learnings, Maternity Foundation is committed to addressing gaps in clinical preparedness for climate-related health risks. Through the Safe Delivery+ Programme, we are developing a dedicated climate module to strengthen midwives’ ability to provide quality care in climate-affected settings.

DISCUSSION:
Maternity Foundation’s Safe Delivery+ Programme enhances midwifery care in resource-constrained settings, providing evidence-based guidelines, competency-based training, and digital learning solutions. At its core is the Safe Delivery App, an offline, multilingual job aid supporting midwives in delivering maternal and newborn care. In 2026, the app will launch a climate module, leveraging over a decade of experience in self-paced learning and on-the-job support for healthcare professionals across 40+ countries. This module will equip midwives with essential tools to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to climate risks - such as extreme heat, floods, droughts, and wildfires - while ensuring emergency preparedness, adaptation strategies, and climate counselling. As trusted, community-based providers, midwives play a frontline role in maternal care, yet they often lack vital training in climate health and remain largely excluded from global climate action. To bridge this gap, pilot testing will be conducted in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Tanzania, engaging midwives at different career stages. Their feedback will refine the module’s clarity, engagement, and real-world applicability.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Extreme weather increases complications such as hypertension, preterm birth, and stillbirth. The WHO urges investment in climate-resilient health systems, and midwives are vital as frontline providers.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives play a critical role in climate adaptation. By providing accessible, evidence-based learning tools, this module will empower them to deliver life-saving care - even in the face of climate change. Poster session 4 (Group B)