Information exchange among ICM board members--challenges and opportunities: at the June 2006 Board meeting in The Hague, members were asked to report three current midwifery issues from their region and to tell one 'success story'.

• Position: International Confederation of Midwives

Andrea Stiefel (for Central Europe):

* There is a drive to raise awareness among both the public and government of unnecessary medical interventions

* There is a current need to protect distinct midwifery education for midwives' autonomous practice in any setting (there are problems particularly in the Czech Republic)

* Effective legislation and regulation is essential.

The success story is that a good meeting has already been held in the newly formed region, with new members attending, and she feels that trust and confidence in ICM is being further built up. A draft action plan is in place.

Judith Chamisa (for Africa East)

Judith drew the Board's attention also to the written report she had submitted.

* A number of well attended workshops have taken place in the region, including those organised by POPPHI, by UNFPA and by ICM and partners on HIV training

* As regards increasing membership of ICM, she feels there is often keen interest shown when she talks with representatives at meetings but less enthusiasm when there is later follow-up. However, the Mozambique midwives have...