Every child deserves the opportunity to take their first breath in a safe and healthy environment. Yet tobacco smoke, second-hand exposure, and the growing popularity of new nicotine and aerosol products continue to pose significant risks to maternal and child health across Europe.

This message was at the heart of the participation of the EU Joint Action on Smoke- and Aerosol-Free Environments (JA-SAFE) at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Congress 2026, held under the inspiring theme “One Million More Midwives.”

Midwives are among the most trusted healthcare professionals in the lives of women and families. They provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, while also playing a crucial role in health education and disease prevention. Their position allows them to engage directly with expectant parents, raise awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke, and address emerging concerns related to e-cigarettes and other nicotine products.

The evidence is clear: exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for both mother and child, while exposure to second-hand smoke can negatively affect infant and child health. As new nicotine and aerosol products become increasingly visible, particularly among younger populations, healthcare professionals must be equipped with accurate information and effective communication tools to support informed choices.

This is where midwives can make a lasting difference. Through their daily interactions with families, they contribute not only to healthier pregnancies but also to healthier homes and communities.

JA-SAFE Coordinator meeting with Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Executive of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), during the ICM Congress 2026. The discussion focused on the importance of smoke- and aerosol-free environments for mothers, newborns and families.

As coordinator of JA-SAFE, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) (https://en.uoa.gr/ ) is committed to supporting initiatives that promote smoke- and aerosol-free environments across Europe. Achieving this goal requires collaboration between policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and civil society. Midwives are an essential part of this collective effort.

Investing in midwives means investing in prevention. It means protecting mothers and children. And ultimately, it means helping to build a healthier, smoke-free future for generations to come.

Watch the message from the JA-SAFE Coordinator, Constantine Vardavas, recorded during ICM Congress 2026 and learn more about our commitment to protecting the health of mothers, children, and families across Europe.