The focus on birth rates misses the point, writes Alanna Armitage on today’s World Population Day. What matters is building countries where people want to stay, live and have families.

UNITED NATIONS, New York, 5 May 2021 -- Millions of lives of women and newborns are lost, and millions more experience ill health or injury, because the needs of pregnant women and skills of midwives are not recognized or prioritized.

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem for International Day of the Midwife - 5 May 2021