President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, who is also the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, is set to convene a high-level dialogue in New York on September 23. The meeting, taking place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, aims to promote investment in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health across Africa. The dialogue will bring together Heads of State, ministers, development partners, and global health leaders.
The high-level dialogue will focus on accelerating action to reduce preventable deaths among mothers, newborns, and children, while mobilizing greater investment from governments and development partners. According to the Africa CDC, the meeting is expected to advance the continent's commitment to the "Three Zeros," including zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths, zero unsafe deliveries and referrals without skilled care, and zero unvaccinated children. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve health outcomes for women and children by 2030.
The engagement comes amid growing calls for sustainable financing for reproductive and maternal health. The UNFPA has also scheduled a high-level event in New York on September 23, bringing together Heads of State, international financial institutions, donors, and civil society leaders to secure new commitments for reproductive health commodities. These efforts aim to address the significant funding gap for reproductive and maternal health services in Africa.
For Tanzania, taking a leading role in reproductive, maternal, and child health is part of a broader commitment to improving access to quality and safe health services for women and children. The country's engagement in the continental agenda is aimed at supporting efforts to accelerate progress towards improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes by 2030. Tanzania's leadership in this area reflects its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The New York dialogue is expected to provide a platform for African leaders and partners to discuss concrete commitments and investment opportunities aimed at accelerating progress in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health across the continent. The meeting will emphasize sustained investment, stronger health systems, and collaboration among governments, development partners, and other stakeholders. African countries are working to address preventable deaths and improve health services for mothers and children.
President Samia's role as African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health underscores the importance of leadership in addressing these critical health issues. Her initiative places emphasis on collaboration and investment in health systems, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the significant challenges facing maternal and child health in Africa. The high-level dialogue is a critical step towards achieving these goals.
The outcome of the New York dialogue is expected to contribute to the broader efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in Africa. By convening African leaders and development partners, President Samia aims to mobilize action and resources to address preventable deaths and improve health services for mothers and children. The meeting's success will be measured by the concrete commitments and investments secured to support these critical health initiatives.
Key points
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan to convene African leaders and development partners in New York to discuss investment in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health.
- The high-level dialogue aims to advance the continent's commitment to the "Three Zeros," including zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths, zero unsafe deliveries, and zero unvaccinated children.
- The meeting will emphasize sustained investment, stronger health systems, and collaboration among governments, development partners, and other stakeholders.
