African Leaders Push Stronger Financing for Maternal, Newborn Health

Stakeholders across Africa have intensified calls for stronger policies and sustainable financing to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), as global leaders gather for the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference 2026 in Nairobi.

At a high-level side event titled “Shaping the Future of MNCH Policy and Health Financing for Healthier Mothers and Newborns,” convened by the SMART Advocacy for Strategic Action Alliance and partners, policymakers, civil society actors, donors, and researchers met at the EDGE Convention Centre on March 24 to chart practical pathways for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

The dialogue, organised in collaboration with key institutions including the SAMASHA Medical Foundation, Health NGOs Network, Reproductive Health Network Kenya, International Centre for Reproductive Health, National Council for Population and Development, Jhpiego, Pathfinder International, and Partners in Population and Development Africa Regional Office, highlighted the urgent need to address persistent financing gaps and weak accountability systems hindering progress across the continent.

The International Maternal Newborn Health Conference continues to serve as a global platform for reviewing progress, sharing evidence-based solutions, and strengthening partnerships aimed at ensuring that mothers and newborns not only survive but thrive.

However, experts at the session warned that shrinking resources and competing national priorities are slowing gains.

The Regional Project Director of the SASA Project, Sally Njiri stressed the need for a shift in advocacy strategies to match current realities. She noted that rising financial pressures across African countries demand more strategic use of limited resources, stronger partnerships, and a greater focus on country-led priorities.

Participants also examined country-specific experiences from Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia, with discussions centered on innovative approaches to domestic resource mobilization, budget accountability, and policy reforms.

Also the Programme Manager for Partners in Population and Development Africa Regional Office (PPD ARO). Mr. Mugirwa  described the advocacy ecosystem for family planning and MNCH as fragile, citing frequent government changes and dwindling resources as key threats to sustained progress. He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to build on existing gains.

Speaking at the event the Country Director,  Pathfinder International Nigeria, Dr. Amina Dorayi underscored that improving MNCH outcomes goes beyond increasing funding. She called for stronger accountability systems and sustained political commitment to ensure that investments translate into quality healthcare services for women and children.

The meeting is expected to produce actionable recommendations to guide future advocacy efforts, inform donor investments, and strengthen alignment with IMNHC 2026 priorities.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that renewed collaboration and clear policy direction will help translate commitments into tangible improvements in maternal and newborn health outcomes across Africa, in line with 2030 global health targets, by bringing together diverse voices from across sectors and countries.