Global Leaders Network Issue Calls to Elevate Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health on Regional Political Agendas during the 78th World Health Assembly
As global health leaders converged on Geneva last week for the 78 th World Health Assembly (http://apo-opa.co/44Zxg2H), there was a clear focus on prioritization and maximizing limited resources in the current aid constrained environment. One area prioritized by global health leaders in key discussions throughout the week was women's, children's, and adolescents' health (WCAH). From South Africa to regional organizations such as the African Union and PAHO, leaders reiterated the call to elevate and prioritize this issue on regional agendas.
At an event co-hosted by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn&Child Health (PMNCH) (http://apo-opa.co/4mVs0nl) and the Global Leaders Network for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health (GLN) (http://apo-opa.co/3SpIupJ), South African Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of political alignment and regional collaboration: 'There is an increasing role we can and must play regionally, aligning efforts and collaborating. This is why we are very proud to provide the highest political support through the Global Leaders Network for Women, children and adolescents. Led by President Ramaphosa and supported by other sitting heads of state and governments, and ministers of health and ambassadors, the GLN advocates for the attainment of the SDG targets for women's, children's and adolescents' health.'
Discussions highlighted stark disparities in child survival. In 2023, 1 in 15 children in Sub-Saharan Africa died before reaching their fifth birthday—14 times higher than the risk for children born in high-income countries and almost 20 years behind the world average, which achieved a 1 in 15 rate by 2004 (http://apo-opa.co/3Z6FO3U). Meanwhile, adolescents across low- and middle-income countries still face persistent barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive and mental health services.
Angola, in a statement on behalf of 47 WHO African Region Member States, responded to the WHA agenda item on the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health and highlighted the need for stronger regional responses: 'Despite progress, the main causes of maternal, newborn and child death are preventable. We must work jointly to set the progress and recognize the setbacks.' The statement stressed the need for joint action to improve health financing and ensure sustainable investment in health systems.
As part of efforts to advance regional support, the Global Leaders Network (GLN), PATH, and PMNCH convened a high-level dialogue with representatives from the European Union, the Asian Development Bank, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Africa CDC, and the G20. Dr. Sami Al-Farsi also joined on behalf of the Ministry of Health in Oman. The dialogue focused on strategic follow-up and monitoring to accelerate action in priority countries and to strengthen national WCAH data systems.
These calls for action are aligned with broader WHA78 commitments, including the renewal of the strategic partnership between the African Union and the World Health Organization (http://apo-opa.co/4mC1wa4) to advance reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) as a shared priority.
Participants reiterated their engagement for WCAH through the Global Leaders Network (GLN), emphasizing high-level political commitment and the importance of a rights-based, life-course approach. The discussions underscored the need for equity-driven policies and sustained momentum at regional and global levels.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Leaders Network.
About the Global Leaders Network (GLN):
The Global Leaders Network for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health (GLN) is a Global-South led platform of Heads of State and Government working to mobilize high-level political leadership to advance the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents. Chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and supported by the PMNCH Secretariat, the GLN drives action on sustainable domestic financing, progressive lawmaking, and regional accountability to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The network brings together leaders from across Africa and beyond to champion integrated, rights-based approaches to health, rooted in equity and national ownership. Learn more here (http://apo-opa.co/452q7i8).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Etu Energias Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Detail Strategies for Achieving 80,000 Barrels Per Day (BPD)
Edson dos Santos, Chairman and CEO of Etu Energias – Angola's largest private oil producer – has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference to discuss its plans for scaling-up operations across Angola's upstream and downstream sectors. The company plans to increase crude production to 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2030 while expanding downstream distribution and lubricant production. Dos Santos' participation at Africa's largest energy event will offer insight into how Etu Energias will achieve this. Etu Energias' expansion plan is built on five key pillars, namely operational excellence, growth, financing, people and ESG. In 2024, the company reported its strongest financial results to date, achieving a 53% increase in net profit compared to 2023. During the year, the company also increased its portfolio of operated and non-operated assets from 6 to 15, with the company's oil reserves growing 2.5 times to reach 106 million barrels. By 2030, Etu Energias seeks to increase its reserves to 387 million barrels through investments in both exploration and development assets. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, dos Santos will detail the company's future development plans. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Upstream, Etu Energias is undertaking an ambitious drilling and production plan in 2025, with ongoing projects including eight exploration projects, 10 development projects and seven redevelopment projects. Onshore, the company signed a Risk Service Contract for Block CON 4 in May 2025, granting the company a 25-year operating licensing for the block. Of this, five years is allocated for exploration while 20 years is allocated for production. Etu Energias is the operator of Block CON 4, alongside Block CON 1 – whereby the first phase of studies has been completed and a seismic survey has been defined. The survey targets 430 km of 2D data in the first phase. Meanwhile, Etu Energias continues its 3D seismic campaign at Block FS/FST. Deforestation and demining are on track for May 2025 while the first exploration well is expected to be spud this year. Offshore, the company plans to complete exploration studies for its operated Block 2/05 in 2025, with well-drilling targeted for 2025/2026. This follows an increase in block acquisitions in 2024, including in Block 2/05 from 30% to 36%, in Block 14 from 20% to 29%, in Block 14K from 10% to 14.5% and in Block 17/06 from 5% to 7.5%. Downstream, Etu Energias is expanding its retail and distribution network through the development of storage facility and lubricant infrastructure. The company launched a 1,000-ton-per-month lubricant line in 2024 in collaboration with Glide Petroleum and plans to start production in 2025. Plans to develop a storage and export terminal are also underway, with the company weighing options for an inland terminal or FSO lease. Further, Etu Energias plans to hold an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2026. The IPO will support efforts to raise capital as the company seeks new block opportunities in both the onshore and offshore market. The IPO will not only support debt reduction and capital raising, but enhancing the company's credibility. Access to a wider investment pool will further support the company's expansion plans in Angola. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, dos Santos is expected to share further updates. 'Etu Energias is a prime example of an Angolan oil company unlocking significant value from Africa's oil and gas reserves. Through its diverse portfolio of exploration and development blocks, its commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, and dedication to strengthening downstream distribution, the company is driving impactful growth in Angola's oil market. Looking ahead, investments made by Etu Energias will help chart a new future of energy security in southern Africa,' states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Justice Committee Chairperson Commends National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for Successful Prosecution and Life Sentences
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has commended the entire team that secured life sentences for all three accused in the human trafficking of the young Joshlin Smith. 'We can see that it was all hands-on deck to ensure justice for this little girl. The sentencing in this case is a critical step in the pursuit of justice for Joshlin and a stern reminder that our legal system will not tolerate crimes against children. While no sentence can undo the pain and loss, the committee trusts that this outcome reaffirms society's collective commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of every child in South Africa,' said Mr Nqola. Joshlin disappeared in February 2024. South African had to face the heart-breaking reality that her mother, Ms Kelly Smith, alongside her partner Mr Jacquen Appollis and friend Mr Steveno van Rhyn, sold her for R20,000. He said these sentences should send out the message that South Africa will not be a breeding ground for child trafficking. This is what the legislature had in mind with the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, Mr Nqola said, when it made provision for stiff penalties for robbing people of their freedom of movement. It is a heinous crime. 'Furthermore, we want to appreciate all the role players – the judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority, and law enforcement agencies and the community at large – for their tireless efforts to ensure justice is seen to be done. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Justice Committee Chairperson Commends Appointment of Judge Khampepe to Head TRC Inquiry
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, is pleased to note the appointment of retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe as head of the judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Mr Nqola said the move to appoint Judge Khampepe is welcomed as survivours and families of victims can see some urgency from government on this matter. 'This is indeed a positive step. Too many families and survivours of apartheid-era crimes have waited to long for justice. 'Claims of attempts to prevent the investigation and prosecution of such crimes have been doing the rounds for years. The announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the commission to investigate these claims, followed by the speedy appointment of the head of the inquiry, is indeed progress the country needed,' emphasised Mr Nqola. Yesterday, President Ramaphosa announced that Judge Khampepe will chair the commission. Retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC will assist her. Mr Nqola further stated that the committee noted that the establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. 'On our part, since the establishment of this committee in the 7th Parliament last year, we have held a few engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority to get updates on the progress of prosecuting TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission] matters. Earlier this month we were informed of positive progress by all the stakeholders that presented to the committee and the committee resolved to further monitor closely the commitment made to us. We are committed to ensure that justice is done without unnecessary delays,' said the Chairperson. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
