WHA 76 Agenda Item 12: Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030)

Global Health Council thanks the assembly for the opportunity to comment on item 12, the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. The 2022 United Nations Secretary-General update report shows that women’s and children’s health has suffered globally from the impacts of conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. 

The majority of maternal and child deaths are preventable, but Sustainable Development Goal 3 childhood mortality reduction goals will not be achieved if we do not address newborn mortality, especially from birth defects. 

Today, we call on governments to renew efforts to enhance health systems, newborn care, primary care, and sexual and reproductive health services. Governments must also prioritize investments in all levels of the health workforce, in order to prevent these deaths and regain the momentum previously seen for women, children, and adolescents.