The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Tulia Ackson, has urged parliaments worldwide to take concrete actions to accelerate efforts to eliminate preventable deaths among mothers, newborns, and children. Speaking in Arusha, Tanzania, during a high-level parliamentary panel discussion on the health of women, newborns, children, and youth, Dr. Ackson emphasized the critical role lawmakers play in ensuring political commitments are translated into measurable outcomes.
Dr. Ackson stressed that improving maternal and child health requires firm political leadership and robust parliamentary action, involving more than just medical professionals and health systems. She highlighted that parliaments have a duty to enact strong legislation, analyze and direct resources through health budgets, conduct meaningful oversight, and hold governments accountable for implementing health plans. This, she believes, is crucial for driving change, especially in Africa, where preventable maternal and newborn mortality rates remain unacceptably high.
The IPU President congratulated Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in strengthening maternal and newborn health and facilitating the global parliamentary community to meet in Tanzania. She noted that President Hassan's efforts to prioritize maternal and newborn health among Tanzania's development priorities demonstrate the importance of political leadership in tackling preventable deaths. Dr. Ackson also emphasized that parliaments must work closely together to share solutions and best practices.
The high-level parliamentary panel discussion was held on the sidelines of the 153rd IPU Assembly, attended by various leaders. Dr. Ackson stated that saving the lives of mothers and newborns is an investment in the future of nations and the continent. She called on parliaments to connect and share solutions, translating international commitments into national priorities, parliamentary actions, and measurable results.
According to Dr. Ackson, Africa continues to face significant challenges in reducing preventable maternal and newborn mortality. She emphasized that political commitment, sustainable investment, and accountability are essential for driving change. The IPU President's call to action underscores the need for collective efforts to address these critical health issues.
The IPU Assembly provides a platform for global parliamentarians to discuss pressing issues, including maternal and child health. Dr. Ackson's address highlighted the importance of parliamentary action in ensuring that health plans are implemented and that governments are held accountable. Her message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for cooperation and shared responsibility.
The collaboration between global parliaments and leaders is crucial in addressing maternal and child health. Dr. Ackson's leadership and advocacy for maternal and child health have been instrumental in bringing attention to this critical issue. The IPU's efforts to engage parliaments worldwide in this conversation are a step towards achieving tangible results in reducing preventable deaths.
Key points
- Dr. Tulia Ackson calls on global parliaments to strengthen legislation and oversight to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths.
- Africa continues to face unacceptable rates of preventable maternal and newborn mortality, requiring political commitment and sustainable investment.
- Parliaments must work together to share solutions and best practices to translate international commitments into national priorities and measurable outcomes.
