“Business unusual”: PMNCH Board asks to think outside of the box for the future of women, children and adolescents

The 33rd PMNCH Board Meeting took place in Geneva, Switzerland from July 4-5, bringing together leadership to outline the strategies needed to accelerate progress for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health and well-being at a crucial point in the 2030 Agenda.

In her opening remarks, the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, PMNCH Board Chair and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, welcomed the new Executive Director, Rajat Khosla, who joined PMNCH in May 2024. She noted the upcoming discussion of PMNCH’s new strategy 2026-2030 and set the scene, encouraging members to bring their new ideas, new experiences, and new futures to address the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents.

In his first remarks to the Board as Executive Director, Rajat Khosla noted the particularly dire challenges facing vulnerable women and children amidst the many threats to health and well-being. These threats include the climate crisis, ongoing conflict and threats to human rights, and changing digital landscapes. He emphasized the need for consolidated, coordinated, and intersectoral advocacy to support their needs, stating that “The only way to future proof humanity is to protect the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents.”

During her keynote address, Hon. Minister J.P. Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, highlighted India’s rich history as a supporter of PMNCH and championing health and well-being. The Minister emphasized India’s gains in improving the survival of mothers and children, which is of significant concern in the global south. He commended steadfast commitments to improving the well-being of women, children, and adolescent health.

Strategic Actions for PMNCH Key Thematic Areas

1. Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

   Day one discussions on maternal, newborn, and child health highlighted the implementation of the WHA77 Resolution as central to PMNCH’s agenda moving forward. The discussions emphasized the acceleration of efforts required for maternal, newborn, and child mortality reduction, based on country-specific drivers for high rates of mortality. They also focused on leveraging campaigning and political advocacy for financing priorities for MNCH.

2. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

   Lively discussion on sexual and reproductive health and rights noted the ongoing push back on sexual health services and growing anti-gender politics and narrative. Partners discussed the power of PMNCH as a convening forum for the “rights” movement. They emphasized the importance of getting behind others, filling gaps, pushing for issues, and building proactive narratives to counter misinformation.

3. Adolescent Health and Well-being

   The final thematic agenda item discussed adolescent health and well-being and PMNCH’s view for the future of this portfolio. Partners outlined the crucial role of PMNCH, particularly in relation to adolescent well-being and its intersection with MNCH and SRHR. They emphasized the importance of ensuring equity for the most marginalized young people and co-creation of programs to support their health and empowerment.

The final items discussed during the Board were an opportunity to identify emerging opportunities for political leadership through the newly developed Global Leaders Network and parliamentarian engagement focusing on issues related to women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health. The discussions also involved the strategic future and vision for PMNCH in the post 2021-2025 period and alignment with the final years of the 2030 Agenda.

The Chair of PMNCH’s HCPA Constituency armed the members with a significant and resounding message that found its way woven throughout the agenda items. “With less than 6 years until the close of the SDG Agenda and 2030, we need to shake things up. We have been working as business as usual. It’s business unusual if we want to address these challenges.”