Africa's development agenda is hindered by the high number of preventable deaths among women and children. The continent cannot achieve sustainable development while millions of women and children continue to face unequal access to essential healthcare. Maternal and child health must be treated as a central pillar of Africa's development agenda, rather than a sectoral concern. This message was emphasized at the high-level SHE RISES meeting in New York.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah called for stronger domestic financing for maternal and child health. She emphasized that reliance on external assistance is not a sustainable solution for Africa's health systems. Tanzania's experience demonstrates the potential of sustained investment and focused interventions in improving maternal and child health. The country has reported a decline in maternal deaths from 556 to 104 per 100,000 live births between 2015 and 2022.
Tanzania has also seen a reduction in under-five mortality from 67 to 43 per 1,000 live births between 2015 and 2022. The M-Mama emergency referral system has facilitated over 150,000 emergency referrals involving pregnant women and newborns by August 2026. Such initiatives are crucial in maternal and newborn health, as delays can mean the difference between life and death.
Despite progress, Africa must guard against complacency, as progress remains uneven. Ambitious continental commitments will mean little unless they are reflected in national budgets, functioning health facilities, adequate supplies, and a well-supported health workforce. The emphasis on women's leadership is also important, as women make up about 70% of Africa's health workforce but only 25% of decision-making roles.
The World Health Organisation's Africa leadership highlighted the imbalance in women's representation in decision-making roles. Women should not only deliver health services but also have a meaningful voice in determining priorities, allocating resources, and designing health systems. The "Three Zeros" agenda, which aims to eliminate home deliveries, preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and children missing vaccinations, provides a clear framework for action.
Achieving the "Three Zeros" agenda requires accountability at every level, from national governments to local health facilities. Africa's leaders must match declarations with budgets, policies with implementation, and commitments with measurable results. Every mother who receives timely care and every child who survives a preventable illness represents an investment in Africa's human capital.
Protecting mothers and children is not an optional social responsibility but one of the most important investments Africa can make in its own future. The continent's future depends on its people, and prioritizing maternal and child health is crucial for sustainable development.
Key points
- African countries must take greater ownership of the health and dignity of women and children.
- Women's leadership and representation in decision-making roles are crucial for improving maternal and child health.
- Accountability and measurable results are necessary for achieving continental commitments in maternal and child health.
