Launch of the United Advocacy Working Group for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)

Despite decades of progress, evidence increasingly shows that global momentum to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and wellbeing has slowed, and in some regions, reversed. Progress toward reducing maternal, neonatal, and child mortality has stagnated since 2016, and the world remains significantly off track to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to MNCH. Rising inequalities, shrinking fiscal space, climate shocks, conflict, and coordinated pushbacks against sexual and reproductive health and rights have further eroded earlier gains.

Multiple global, regional and country-level initiatives, such as Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE), Child Survival Action (CSA), and advocacy efforts linked to financing, accountability and service delivery, share common goals but currently operate through parallel advocacy structures.

While these initiatives bring value, fragmentation has increased the burden on countries, diluted messaging, and reduced collective influence. Stakeholders have therefore agreed to simplify and unify advocacy coordination into a single, light-touch mechanism that focuses on core advocacy functions, while respecting existing technical mandates and governance.

The United Advocacy Working Group for MNCH is established to serve as this shared advocacy coordination platform.