Marking the International Day of the Midwife, the United Nations Population Fund in Afghanistan has called for urgent investment in midwifery services to help reduce maternal and newborn deaths across the country.

In a message shared on X, UNFPA said expanding the global midwifery workforce — including the addition of up to one million midwives — would be one of the most effective ways to save lives by improving access to antenatal care, safe deliveries, and postnatal support.

The agency stressed that midwives are central to strengthening healthcare systems and preventing avoidable deaths, particularly in Afghanistan where maternal and child health indicators remain among the most challenging.

UNFPA added that improving access to skilled midwives is key to ensuring safer pregnancies and addressing persistent gaps in healthcare services for women and children.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to maternal and newborn health programmes and called on international partners to sustain support for strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare workforce.

Three people have died following a suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, as the ship remains stationed off the coast of Cape Verde island.

The vessel, which had been travelling from Argentina, has been halted near the archipelago for at least 24 hours, with no clearance granted for passengers to disembark, according to local reports and the operator.

Among the dead are a Dutch couple, aged 70 and 69, who fell ill during the voyage and were evacuated from the ship. A third Dutch national has also died, with their body still on board.

A 69-year-old British passenger—currently the only confirmed case of the virus—is being treated in intensive care at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, after being medically evacuated. Two crew members on the ship have also fallen ill and are in urgent need of care.

Oceanwide Expeditions said it is working with health authorities to manage the situation, but emphasized that the vessel has not yet received authorization to dock in Cape Verde.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious infection transmitted primarily through contact with rats or mice or their droppings. Symptoms can initially resemble flu but may rapidly progress to severe respiratory complications. There is no specific antiviral treatment, and care is typically supportive, with early medical intervention considered critical.

Health officials have not yet confirmed the source of the suspected outbreak, and investigations are ongoing as authorities monitor the condition of passengers and crew still aboard the ship.