.png?sfvrsn=6d0e27cd_1 "Partnership for Change - v7 (1)")
Dear colleagues and partners,
As October draws to a close, I want to thank you for an exceptionally active and productive month across our partnership, and to share how these efforts position us strongly ahead of next month’s G20 discussions. October demonstrated the power of collaboration and advocacy across our network - but also highlighted some of the key issues our members face in continuing their work.
Earlier this month, PMNCH released findings from its Global Partner Survey, revealing a worsening funding crisis threatening programmes that protect the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents. Based on responses from over 100 organizations across over 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, and South-East Asia, the survey found that 89% of partners faced reduced or uncertain funding, and 81% reported major setbacks in advancing WCAH goals. Many have been forced to downsize or suspend activities, especially in SRHR and health workforce training. These findings are a stark reminder that advocacy for sustained, flexible, and equitable financing must remain at the heart of our global agenda.
The month started off with the African Union Specialized Technical Committee meeting on Finance and Monetary which adopted a declaration aimed at strengthening domestic resources for health. A related webinar on national health financing strategies led by the GLN brought together countries to reflect on how the G20 Joint Finance-Health Task Force and Pandemic Fund can mobilize domestic resources to strengthen women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health (WCAH).
At the FIGO conference, PMNCH co-hosted a symposium on interprofessional teamwork for maternal and newborn health, alongside FIGO, UNFPA, Jhpiego, and others. We also launched a new advocacy brief on Strengthening Investments in Human Resources for Health. The first World Postpartum Haemorrhage Day (5 October) brought global attention to one of the leading preventable causes of maternal mortality.
PMNCH also participated in the World Health Summit organizing a breakfast with its President, Dr Axel Pries, to discuss building, nurturing, expanding and resourcing partnerships; and launched the GLN parliamentary network on the sidelines of the InterParliamentary Union Meeting.
October also marked the start of a number of capacity building workshops. The first session equipped journalists with tools to better report on WCAH, connecting data and human stories to policy impact. October 30 will see a session dedicated to advocacy and communications experts on how to operate most effectively in the current context.
Looking ahead to November, G20 meetings represent a major opportunity to advance the WCAH agenda globally. PMNCH will advance advocacy through increased media coverage and events alongside the G20 Health Working Group Meetings and Social Summit.
Your engagement remains vital. In the coming weeks, please share national experiences, engage your G20 contacts, and use PMNCH materials to advocate for stronger commitments. Together, we can ensure that global recovery and growth are built on inclusive, equitable health for all women, children, and adolescents.
With appreciation and solidarity,