Ummy urges African parliaments to turn maternal health commitments into action

What the report says

Ummy Mwalimu, head of the African Union Maternal and Child Health Champion Secretariat, has called on African governments and parliaments to turn long-standing promises on maternal and child health into practical action. According to Nile Post, she said the priority should be sustained financing, reliable supplies of essential medicines and commodities, and stronger frontline health services that can respond to complications when women seek care.

Mwalimu made the remarks on the sidelines of the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, where lawmakers from across the continent were meeting from October 5 to 9. She urged parliaments to use their legislative, budgetary and oversight powers to ensure that commitments made at continental and international forums are reflected in policies, spending and service delivery. Her comments also highlighted the role of health workers and facilities in preventing maternal deaths.

The article says Mwalimu pointed to Tanzania’s progress in reducing maternal mortality as an example of what political leadership and sustained investment can achieve. She also said the African Union’s endorsement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as Maternal and Child Health Champion has helped keep the issue visible. More broadly, the story places her appeal within Africa’s “Three Zeros” agenda, which seeks to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unsafe home deliveries without skilled care, and unvaccinated children.

Nile Post said the warning comes amid ongoing concern over Africa’s share of global maternal deaths and the number of children who still miss basic vaccination services.