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This month, we are proud to spotlight the Federal Republic of Somalia and AlignMNH as partners that work to accelerate action to improve maternal and newborn health (MNH).
Leading up to and during the 77th World Health Assembly in May, the Federal Republic of Somalia showed tremendous leadership by initiating the landmark resolution: Accelerate progress towards reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets 3.1 and 3.2. Co-sponsored by 51 Member States, it called for unified, committed action through policies, service delivery, and financing. Dr. Guled Adbdijalil Ali, Director General of the Federal Ministry of Health of Somalia who spoke at the event, stressed an urgent situation, “We are quite off-track in achieving the SDGs. We need to accelerate our action at almost 10 times our current rate.”
Based on current trends, 46 countries are off course in meeting the target for maternal mortality (SDG 3.1), 64 countries are off course in meeting the neonatal mortality target (SDG 3.2.2), 59 countries are off course in meeting the under-5 child mortality target (SDG 3.2.1) and 56 countries will not meet the stillbirth target of the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP).
Somalia has one of the world’s highest rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. UNICEF estimates that four out of 100 Somali children die during their first month of life, eight out of 100 die before their first birthday, and one out of 20 women (age 15-49) die due to pregnancy or birth-related complications each year. After years of instability due to conflict, floods, droughts, food insecurity and Covid-19, the health sector of the Federal Republic of Somalia has moved on a recovery and rehabilitation path. The government has outlined a roadmap for establishing a resilient health system. The plan is aimed at consolidating the delivery of essential interventions across the board by strengthening the primary health care (PHC) mechanisms and providing universal health coverage (UHC) consistent with a human rights-based approach.
In May of 2024, the Federal Republic of Somalia and AlignMNH partnered with PMNCH, UNICEF, and UNFPA on the Lives in the Balance: galvanizing political leadership for maternal, newborn, and child health The event focused on the need, opportunities and challenges for progress in achieving the maternal and child health SDGs, framed by the Resolution. At the event and in social media, AlignMNH impactfully drew attention to the Resolution with global health sector leaders and champions speaking about their engagement and advocacy. Founded in 2020 and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with USAID, AlignMNH helps to create a unified vision in the global MNH community. They share evidence, innovations and experiences to foster common priorities, cross-country learning and accountability. In 2023, in collaboration with 29 country governments and hundreds of partners, AlignMNH organized the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) which marked a key moment, igniting momentum and a broader movement to reduce mortality. Born too soon: a decade of action on preterm birth was launched at the event and sets an ambitious agenda to reduce the burden of preterm birth which is the leading cause of death of children under five around the world. The report highlights inspiring examples of progress and calls for increased investment, implementation, integration and innovation to accelerate change.
The upcoming PMNCH 12th Annual Accountability Breakfast: accelerating action and accountability to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child mortality will again bring together partners and key stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, and civil society, to discuss pathways for implementing the Resolution at the country level. Register for in person or virtual participation: here.
Special thanks to Dr. Guled Adbdijalil Ali, Director General of the Federal Ministry of Health of Somalia, for his leadership and steadfast support of the Resolution. To learn more about the Federal Republic of Somalia, follow them on X and Facebook.
Special thanks to Charlene Reynolds, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy and Special Initiatives, AlignMNH Secretariat and member of the PMNCH MNCH workstream for her ongoing support and dedication to the mission, and Anita Gibson, Director, AlignMNH Secretariat. Please share any upcoming events, webinars, resource launches, blog, or storytelling ideas with AlignMNH here. If you are interested in partnering with AlignMNH on UNGA79 side events or content (blogs, videos, and more), please email Charlene.Reynolds@jhpiego.com. You may also wish to consult a vast array of resources on their knowledge hub and follow them on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.