Strengthening Maternal and Child Health in Africa

Strengthening Maternal and Child Health in Africa

The health of mothers and children is a critical factor in the development of Africa.

Improving the health of mothers and children is a major priority for the African Union and its member states.

The African Union's Agenda 2063 aims to achieve significant improvements in maternal and child health by 2030.

However, despite progress in recent years, maternal and child mortality rates remain unacceptably high in many African countries.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, an estimated 830 women died every day due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries in Africa.

Similarly, an estimated 6.2 million children under the age of 15 died in 2019, with the majority of these deaths occurring in Africa.

The main causes of maternal and child mortality in Africa include:

The African Union has launched several initiatives to strengthen maternal and child health in Africa, including:

These initiatives aim to improve access to quality healthcare services, particularly for women and children, and to strengthen health systems across the continent.

"We must work together to end preventable maternal and child deaths in Africa," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Resolving this issue will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health in Africa.

It will also require greater investment in health systems, particularly in low-income countries, as well as increased attention to the needs of women and children in these countries.

Ultimately, strengthening maternal and child health in Africa is a critical step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for all Africans.

Author's Note: Strengthening maternal and child health in Africa requires a collaborative effort from governments, international organizations, and local communities to address the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health on the continent.

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The Daily Star The Daily Star — 2025-11-28

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