Leadership statements

Statements

1. Foreword

   H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan

   President of the United Republic of Tanzania · African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health

   These are not slogans; they are measurable political commitments.

   Africa stands at a defining moment in its journey towards health sovereignty, human capital development and sustainable prosperity. Preventable risks still threaten the lives and dignity of millions of women, newborns and children, yet the continent has a clear opportunity to accelerate progress through sustained political leadership, stronger systems and collective action.

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2. Preface

   H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

   Chairperson, African Union Commission

   No society can achieve inclusive growth while women continue to die from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth.

   The well-being of Africa’s women and children is fundamental to the continent we aspire to build under Agenda 2063: an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the world. No society can achieve inclusive growth, shared prosperity, or sustainable transformation while women continue to die from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth, newborns are denied a healthy start to life, and children go unprotected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

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3. Preface

   H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya

   Director General, Africa CDC

   Maternal and child mortality remains Africa’s most persistent, but silent health emergency.

   Africa’s ability to protect the lives of its mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents is a defining measure of its sovereignty. The Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda recognises that a resilient continent must finance, govern, and deliver essential primary health care services; develop and retain its health workforce; manufacture critical health products; and use trusted data and digital systems to guide action.

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