Doing Better With Less: Rethinking the Approach to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health

Global efforts over the past two decades have driven significant progress in improving the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. The launch of the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030) under the Every Woman Every Child movement aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and helped unify governments, civil society, and development partners around a shared vision. However, recent global crises — including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, conflicts, and economic instability — have posed serious setbacks. Further, shifts in development financing, multilateralism, and an active anti-rights movement further threaten gains and risk reversing progress towards the achievement of the SDGs. The need to assess progress, address persistent inequities, and accelerate action has never been more urgent.

As we approach the five-year mark to the 2030 deadline, this high-level dialogue aims to take stock of the achievements and gaps in health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents, and chart a renewed path forward with bold ideas, innovative partnerships, and transformative solutions.