Here is why Bolivia is turning to midwives

The number of midwives in Bolivia is on the rise, after a decade-long shortage of trained people to help in deliveries and the reason is most surprising.

The number of midwives in Bolivia is on the rise, after a decade-long shortage of trained people to help in deliveries. (Photo | AP) 

With 10.89 million people as per 2016, Bolivia has the highest maternal mortality rate among South American countries. (Photo | Google maps)

Maternal deaths are high among poor, rural indigenous women in Bolivia. It is said that the rural public health centers and hospitals often lack basic amenities. (Photo | AP)

Indigenous women have often been treated as second-class citizens and scorned of their gender, ethnicity and traditions, says 2009 U.N. report. (Photo | AP)

The government is now tapping into the strong cultural bond between Bolivia's indigenous women and midwives to deal with the increasing mortality rate. (Photo | AP)

By incorporating midwives into the health system, government is striving to lower the maternal mortality rate. (Photo | AP)

A midwife training program officially began in 2013 after Bolivia passed a law recognizing traditional indigenous medicine, including midwifery. (Photo | AP)

It is partially financed by the U.N. Population Fund, which has supported similar initiatives in the Andean country. (Photo | AP)