DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
The SOS Obstetrizes project was developed by 13 midwives in response to the devastating floods in southern Brazil in 2024 that affected millions of people. It aimed to ensure access to respectful and evidence-based sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn care for individuals living in shelters or affected areas. Led by midwives, known as obstetrizes in Brazil, who graduated from the University of São Paulo, the project mobilized self-organized teams to work in shelters and homes. Services included antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive counseling, and newborn care. Operated entirely by volunteers and funded through community donations, the initiative filled urgent care gaps after the collapse of local health services, as only eight of 27 public primary health units remained operational. Almost 1,400 pregnant women were mapped, referred as needed, and 256 health consultations were facilitated. The project's impact has prompted discussions with local authorities about establishing a Midwifery undergraduate program in the region, acknowledging the profession's crucial role in disaster response and long-term health resilience.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
This practice is supported by evidence indicating that midwife-led care enhances outcomes for both mothers and newborns, particularly in emergencies. A modeling study published in The Lancet in 2021 found that if midwives were fully integrated into health systems, they could prevent over 80% of maternal and neonatal deaths, as well as stillbirths. This initiative also aligns with the World Health Organization's call for urgent climate action to protect maternal and child health. Furthermore, it reinforces the International Confederation of Midwives' 2024 theme, highlighting midwives as key players in addressing the climate crisis. Midwives play an essential role as frontline responders in climate-related emergencies. The SOS Obstetrizes project demonstrates how community-based voluntary midwifery can reduce inequalities, enhance emergency responses, and encourage structural change through professional commitment and innovation. Policy - strategy (including three-minute presentation competition)