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The workshop brings together senior government officials, technical experts and development partners from West, Central and North Africa to validate findings from the first continental assessment of policies, financing frameworks, governance, service delivery and accountability for sexual and reproductive health. The validated findings will inform a landmark continental report designed to guide evidence-informed policymaking, strengthen accountability and accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Africa.
The meeting advances Africa CDC’s Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda (AHSS) while supporting the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health initiative, led by H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Champion’s initiative places maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health at the centre of Africa’s broader health security, resilience and sustainable development agenda.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Alinon Kokou, the Western Africa RCC Regional Director, emphasized that strengthening reproductive, maternal and child health is fundamental to achieving Africa's health sovereignty.
“The future of Africa’s health must be driven by African priorities, African leadership and African institutions. This workshop is not simply about validating a report, it is about ensuring that evidence translates into action, investment and measurable improvements in the lives of women, children and adolescents across our continent.”
Dr Kokou called on Member States and partners to use the workshop as a platform for stronger implementation, domestic ownership and mutual accountability.
Representing the African Union Champion, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, Head of Secretariat and Advisor to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, reaffirmed the Champion’s commitment to accelerating maternal and child survival across the continent.
He noted that the Champion’s Roadmap aligns with Agenda 2063, the Africa Health Strategy, and the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, while advancing three Zeros continental ambitions:
“The challenge before us is no longer identifying solutions. Africa knows what works. Our responsibility now is to implement those solutions at scale, strengthen accountability and ensure sustainable financing.”
Providing the technical context for the workshop, Dr Diana Nambatya Nsubuga, Head of the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at Africa CDC, highlighted the changing health financing landscape facing the continent.
She noted that declining external assistance, increasing debt burdens, climate-related shocks and continued dependence on imported health commodities require African countries to strengthen domestic investment and leadership in health.
“The transformation we seek requires moving from dependency to ownership, from vulnerability to resilience, and from aspiration to implementation.”
Dr Nsubuga outlined five strategic priorities underpinning Africa CDC’s approach:
She further announced that 53 of the 55 African Union Member States have participated in the continental assessment, representing one of the most comprehensive evidence-generation efforts ever undertaken on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in Africa. Africa CDC continues to engage the remaining Member States to achieve full continental representation.
The assessment will culminate in the publication of Africa’s first comprehensive continental report examining the policy, financing and health system determinants of maternal, newborn and child health outcomes. The report will provide Member States with evidence to strengthen national policies, improve resource allocation and monitor progress towards continental commitments.
Officially opening the workshop on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Enagnon Pétas AKOGBETO, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Health, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health through national leadership, policy reform and sustained investment.
“We have recognized that fragmented health systems, the lack of sustainable financing mechanisms and insufficient coordination continue to hinder progress. We must think together and develop structural actions that deliver lasting results,” said Mr. AKOGBETO.
Representatives from the African Union Commission, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WAHO, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and other partners commended Africa CDC for leading a continent-wide evidence-generation process that will strengthen national decision-making and improve accountability.
Throughout the three-day workshop, participants will review country findings, validate evidence, identify policy and financing gaps, exchange best practices and agree on priority actions to strengthen the implementation of high-impact interventions across Member States.
The validated continental assessment will serve as a key evidence base for policy dialogue, domestic resource mobilization and regional collaboration, while advancing the African Union Champion's agenda and Africa CDC's vision of a healthier, more resilient and self-reliant Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
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