Global health leaders gathered in Geneva last week for the 78th World Health Assembly, with a strong call to prioritize women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health (WCAH) amid growing resource constraints. Amid discussions on streamlining aid and maximizing impact, a unifying message emerged: WCAH must move higher on regional political agendas to address glaring inequalities.
At a high-level event co-hosted by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and the Global Leaders Network (GLN), South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, stressed the urgency of political and regional collaboration.
“There is an increasing role we can and must play regionally, aligning efforts and collaborating,” said Dr. Motsoaledi. “We are proud to provide the highest political support through the Global Leaders Network, led by President Ramaphosa and supported by other sitting heads of state and ministers.”
Stark Disparities in Child Survival
Leaders highlighted deep inequalities in child survival. In 2023, 1 in 15 children in Sub-Saharan Africa died before turning five—14 times higher than in high-income countries, and nearly 20 years behind the global average, which reached that same rate in 2004 (UNICEF report).
Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries also continue to face major obstacles in accessing sexual and reproductive health services, as well as mental health care—issues that require coordinated, rights-based approaches.
Speaking on behalf of 47 Member States of the WHO African Region, Angola stressed the importance of sustained investment in maternal, newborn, and child health.
“Despite progress, the main causes of maternal, newborn, and child death remain preventable,” the statement read. “We must work jointly to recognize setbacks and set a new course. Strengthening health financing is essential.”
As part of broader efforts, the GLN, PATH, and PMNCH convened a strategic dialogue with representatives from the European Union, Asian Development Bank, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Africa CDC, and the G20. Dr. Sami Al-Farsi, representing Oman’s Ministry of Health, also participated. The discussion focused on follow-up strategies in priority countries and strengthening national data systems for WCAH.
Renewed Partnerships and a Rights-Based Approach
The WHA78 discussions reinforced commitments such as the renewed partnership between the African Union and the World Health Organization to advance reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (AU-WHO Partnership).
GLN members emphasized the importance of equity-driven, life-course health policies, backed by high-level political leadership and measurable action.
“This is about rights, justice, and survival,” said one speaker. “We must not allow economic constraints to delay lifesaving commitments to women, children, and adolescents.”
With regional coalitions strengthening and momentum building, leaders say the time is now to turn global pledges into national policies—and lives saved.
