Message from Rajat Khosla, PMNCH Executive Director - February 2026

Dear PMNCH Partners, 

As we reflect on a productive and strategically important February, I would like to thank you for the leadership, commitment, and collective advocacy that continue to define our Partnership. 

February saw many successes. A major highlight of the month was the 39th African Union Summit. We were encouraged to see leaders prioritize health sovereignty and WCAH, alongside the nomination of a Champion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. This represents an important step toward more systematic accountability and reporting within AU processes, an ambition that PMNCH has long championed. 

PMNCH was proud to co-organize a high-level side event at the AU Summit with the GLN, where these critical prioritization questions were brought to the forefront. Through strong positioning and an accompanying Devex opinion piece, we emphasized that Africa’s future depends on sustained investment in women, children and adolescents.  

February,  also saw Nigeria’s release of US$3.75 million, about 94% of its approved 2025 family planning budget, demonstrated the impact of coordinated, evidence-driven advocacy under PMNCH’s Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan led by AHBN.  The month also saw the first meeting  of the United MNCH Advocacy Working Group, an important milestone in strengthening coordinated advocacy efforts across partners. In addition, PMNCH initiated the development of a roadmap to scale low-cost innovations for WCAH, reinforcing our focus on practical, high-impact solutions.  

Looking ahead, March presents important opportunities to deepen collaboration and drive impact. We look forward to convening with CAAP and GLN partners to align strategies. We are also preparing to engage in the upcoming IMNHC, where we will continue to elevate WCAH priorities within the global health agenda – look out for key advocacy messages for IMNHC coming shortly. 

As outlined in our recent Global Policy piece, 2026 marks a shift from crisis management to system correction, requiring renewed investment in resilient health systems, protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights, stabilization of civil society as core health infrastructure, and stronger, more inclusive governance to deliver lasting progress for women, children and adolescents. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership.  

With appreciation,

Rajat Khosla 
Executive Director