Africa commits to new framework to slash maternal, child deaths
African nations have committed to a new accountability framework to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. The initiative involves annual reporting and biennial reviews to ensure progress toward specific health targets.
Why it matters
This represents a significant policy shift aimed at improving public health outcomes in a region that accounts for a large portion of global maternal and child deaths.
Under a new health accountability framework endorsed by the 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) last month in New York, African governments have committed to subjecting their progress on maternal and child survival to annual continental scrutiny, reports The Voice of Africa.
South Africa was one of the 44 African Union Member States which backed the high-level communiqué on ending preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths, and boosting domestic health financing; strengthening primary healthcare, and reporting annually to the African Union on progress towards three targets known as the Three Zeros.
Those are zero home deliveries without skilled care and referral, zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and zero unvaccinated children.
African leaders will also hold a biennial Heads of State review to assess progress, identify weaknesses and determine what additional action is required.
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