Harnessing the Power of Head of State Advocacy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health: Reflections from the UNGA79 event: Securing the Health of Every Woman, Child and Adolescent

By

Lwazi Manzi, Head of Secretariat of the Global Leaders Network for Women, Children and Adolescent Health, Private Office of the President of South Africa

Rajat Khosla, Executive Director, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Ilze Kalnina, Team Lead, Political Advocacy, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Olive Shisana, Social Policy Special Advisor to the President of South Africa, Private Office of the President of South Africa

The health and wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents are foundational to sustainable development, yet they remain disproportionately affected by health inequities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While progress has been made it has been uneven and gaps in access, quality, and outcomes persist, hindering the realization of global health goals. Addressing these challenges requires a paradigm shift, one that emphasizes the central role of leadership and advocacy at the highest levels of government. This is where Head of State-led stewardship and advocacy becomes a powerful catalyst for lasting change.

The Imperative of Head of State-Led Advocacy

The involvement of Heads of State in health advocacy is not merely symbolic—it is transformative. When presidents and prime ministers champion health initiatives, they elevate these issues to the highest levels of national and international agendas. Their leadership mobilises resources, influences policies, and fosters accountability across sectors, driving tangible progress in health outcomes.

Head of State-led advocacy also carries the authority to convene a broad range of stakeholders, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and that policies are inclusive. Moreover, it signals political commitment, a crucial ingredient, together with strong accountability, for sustained progress in health systems strengthening and service delivery. For women, children, and adolescents, this level of advocacy translates into improved access to essential health services, better protection of rights, and the promotion of gender equity.

The Role of Southern-Led Advocacy

Leadership from the Global South may truly turn the tide. Countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia are often at the forefront of the most pressing health challenges, and global emergencies, and therefore have a unique perspective on what works in their specific contexts. Southern-led advocacy allows for solutions that are context-specific, culturally appropriate, and sustainable.

The Global Leaders Network for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health champions this approach by prioritizing the voices and experiences of Southern leaders. We understand that health outcomes improve when local leaders drive the agenda, informed by people’s needs and priorities, because they are best positioned to identify gaps, leverage local resources, and navigate the complexities of their health systems.

The Innovative Approach of the Global Network

The Global Leaders Network for Women, Children and Adolescent Health, supported by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), embodies a new approach to health diplomacy and political advocacy- one that shifts conversations using a multipronged, cross-sectoral, and data-driven approach with a clear focus on improving the health and lives of people, in particular women, children and adolescents,  who are most often left behind. The Network, framed as a Southern-led global health diplomacy initiative, is led by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. It brings together sitting Heads of State and Government and is supported by ministers and prominent global leaders to focus on securing high-level political attention and investment for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health.

Our approach leverages political will, builds strategic partnerships, and employs evidence-based advocacy to address critical health issues hampering progress. By engaging Heads of State and Government directly, the Network fosters political accountability, ensuring that commitments translate into concrete action, and result in improved health of women, children and adolescents. Additionally, the Network prioritises youth and adolescent engagement, recognizing the importance of empowering young people to advocate for their health and rights and be part of the change.

Reflections from UNGA79: Securing the Health of Every Woman, Child, and Adolescent

The recent event at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), Securing the Health of Every Woman, Child, and Adolescent, was a testament to the power of collective leadership. The event highlighted the urgency of accelerating progress on health goals and showcased innovative solutions from countries that have made significant strides.

During the session, leaders reiterated the need for robust, Head of State-led advocacy and commitment to address the persistent inequities in health.

The Chair of the Global Leaders Network, President Ramaphosa, boldly stood for the right to bodily autonomy for young girls and women, emphasizing the fact that access to safe termination of pregnancy saves lives. This profound demonstration of solidarity with girls and women, particularly with respect to sexual and reproductive health rights, is precisely the political advocacy needed in the face of headwinds generated by organized, global anti-rights movements.

H.E. Mr Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr, President of the Republic of Liberia and H.E. Mr Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania underscored the role of political will and collaboration in overcoming barriers to health access and quality.  The leaders, including H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, also shared experiences that demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated, multisectoral approaches. Hon. Dr. Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health of Senegal (who was speaking on behalf of the President) spoke to the importance of a whole of society approach, ensuring effective civil society and community participation in health planning and implementation. Hon. Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone, speaking on behalf of the president of Sierra Leone. noted the importance of sustained financing and global cooperation to support the implementation of effective national strategies. 

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the discussions at UNGA79 and the progress made thus far, it is clear that the journey ahead requires unwavering commitment from leaders across the globe. Heads of State and Government must continue to champion the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents, ensuring that no one is left behind. We must embrace Southern-led health diplomacy and advocacy, fostering solutions that resonate and respond to local realities and have lasting impact.

Through the continued efforts of the Global Network of Leaders, we are confident that we can drive the changes needed to secure a healthier future for every woman, child, and adolescent. This is our collective responsibility- and our opportunity to transform the health landscape for us and generations to come.

For more information on the Global Network of Leaders for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health, visit https://globalleadersnetwork.org/