'Why did my mother die? Why did my wife die?'.

• Tenlastelegging: Worldwide news - Online discussion about maternal health and midwives - International Confederation of Midwives - National Federation of Indian Women - Discussion

An online discussion forum about maternal health, organised by the UN Millennium Campaign and held on 25 March, featured ICM Regional Midwifery Adviser Jemima Dennis-Antwi (seen right, above) as one of the international expert speakers.

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Joined by Annie Raja, general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women, Jemima Dennis-Antwi took the opportunity to call for national networks of trained midwives to serve the dual role of professional birth attendant and health advocate for the local community.

The debate was moderated by Kimberly Seals Allers, editorial director of the Women's eNews' Black Maternal Health project.

During the chat, Jemima emphasised the need for stronger leadership in regions with high maternal death rates to adopt UN development policy.

"The midwifery association can adopt and translate these statements and road maps, champion the cause of mothers and children in their countries and therefore be a lever in bringing pressure to bear on government," she said. "lf midwifery associations are well positioned and strengthened they will become the advocates and mouthpieces for mothers and children."

Annie Raja agreed, saying India must show its own commitment to MDG 5 by boosting investment in...