International Confederation of Midwives

Midwives from African and Asian countries with the highest childbirth mortality rates were denied visas to attend a key summit in Portugal aimed at addressing preventable mother and baby deaths. The visa rejections have hindered progress on improving maternal and infant health, according to global midwife leaders.

African and Asian midwifery experts were denied EU visas for a major international conference in Portugal, hindering efforts to address maternal and newborn deaths. Organizers accused the EU of 'colonial bias' as key speakers from countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and Bangladesh were barred entry at short notice.