Ensuring women's access to midwifery and family planning will avert several thousand maternal deaths every year in Bangladesh, said speakers at a press event yesterday.

Over 7,300 women die annually because of complications during pregnancy, delivery and after the child is born, they said, adding that 87 percent of these deaths can be reduced with midwifery and family planning services.

The event was organised by the Swedish embassy and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on the occasion of International Day of the Midwife, observed today, at a hotel in the capital.

"There is a critical shortage of educated and skilled midwives in Bangladesh," said Swedish Ambassador Johan Frisell.

Investing in midwifery is not only economically sound and life-saving, it transforms societies and promotes women's rights and gender equality, he said.

State Minister for Health Zahid Malik said midwifery is also a key to reducing infant mortality. He declared training and employing 3,000 midwives by the end of this year, as per Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's plan.