Lesotho's male midwives challenge tradition amid high maternal death rate

In Lesotho, a growing number of men are challenging traditional gender roles by becoming midwives as the country struggles with a high rate of maternal deaths. Around 300 male midwives now work in the southern African kingdom, helping provide maternity care in communities where access to health facilities can be limited. The World Health Organization says about 478 women died for every 100,000 live births in Lesotho last year, more than double the global average. While some women still prefer female health workers, others say the quality of care matters more than the gender of the midwife. Supporters believe male midwives can help expand maternity care and bring greater awareness to maternal health. Al Jazeera's Cara Legg reports. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Lesotho #MaleMidwives #MaternalHealth #MaternalMortality #Midwifery #MaternalCare #SouthernAfrica #GenderRoles #ReproductiveHealth #UNFPA #WHO