ETHIOPIA— The Africa CDC (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) has taken a significant stride towards improving maternal and reproductive health across the continent.
In a landmark move, the organization officially unveiled its 5-year Reproductive Health Strategies Priorities program for the period 2022-2026.
The program aims to support member states in enhancing their reproductive health systems and achieving better outcomes for mothers and newborns.
The launch event gathered over 150 participants from 51 African Union (AU) member states, including representatives from Ministries of Health, public health institutes, and national reproductive health experts.
These key stakeholders united to endorse the adoption of the Africa CDC Reproductive Health Strategy Priorities 2022-2026 at both national and sub-national levels.
The Reproductive Health program outlines strategic priorities that member states should prioritize in order to align with their national and sub-national sexual and reproductive health strategies and goals.
It emphasizes the need for member states to engage with reproductive health partners, map out targeted interventions, and secure political support to overcome existing challenges in the field.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to executing its mandate and supporting member states, regional economic communities, AU organs, institutions, and other stakeholders in implementing the outcomes of this landmark meeting.
This initiative represents a substantial step forward in advancing the Maputo Plan of Action for implementing the Continental Policy Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), which was initially adopted by AU Health Ministers in 2006.
The Africa CDC’s Reproductive Health unit, established under the Division of Disease Control and Prevention, plays a crucial role in accelerating the implementation and monitoring of the Maputo Plan of Action 2016-2030 among AU member states.
The unit is now further strengthened with the introduction of the Africa CDC Reproductive Health Strategy Priorities 2022-2026, which will be integrated into the organization’s broader five-year strategy.
However, despite efforts to improve reproductive health, the African region is still facing significant challenges.
Maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for approximately 70% of global maternal deaths, as reported by the United Nations.
The region is off track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Moreover, access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare services in Africa lags behind the global average.
In light of these pressing issues, the Africa CDC’s Reproductive Health program is a crucial step towards addressing the gaps in reproductive healthcare.
Dr. Alice Ndjoka, Deputy Director of the National Reproductive Health Programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressed her country’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Africa CDC and other partners to implement the strategy and reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of the Division for Disease Control and Prevention at Africa CDC, highlighted the significance of this milestone in advancing reproductive health on the African continent.
The adoption and implementation of the Africa CDC Reproductive Health Strategy 2022-2026 mark a pivotal moment in the collective efforts to improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes in Africa.
As the program sets in motion, it is hoped that the comprehensive approach outlined in the strategy will bring about substantial progress and pave the way for a healthier future for women and children across Africa.
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