IPU President calls on global parliaments to push for maternal, child health

ARUSHA, TANZANIA: Parliaments around the world have been urged to strengthen legislation, resource mobilization, and health sector oversight to accelerate efforts to eliminate preventable deaths among mothers, newborns, and children.

The call was made on Thursday in Arusha by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr Tulia Ackson, during a high-level parliamentary panel discussion on the health of women, newborns, children, and youth. The session, attended by various leaders, was held on the sidelines of the 153rd IPU Assembly.

The IPU boss stated that lawmakers play a critical role in ensuring political commitments regarding maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health are translated into concrete actions and measurable outcomes. She emphasized that improving maternal and child health cannot be left to medical professionals and health systems alone, requiring instead firm political leadership and robust parliamentary action.

“Saving the life of a mother and giving every newborn a safe start in life is an investment in the future of our nations and our continent,” she said.

According to Dr Ackson, parliaments have a duty to enact strong legislation, analyze and direct resources through health budgets, conduct meaningful oversight, and hold governments accountable for implementing health plans. She noted that Africa continues to face unacceptable rates of preventable maternal and newborn mortality, making political commitment, sustainable investment, and accountability essential for driving change.

Dr. Ackson also congratulated President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership and dedication to strengthening maternal and newborn health, as well as for facilitating the global parliamentary community to meet in Tanzania. She noted that President Samia’s efforts to place maternal and newborn health among Tanzania’s development priorities demonstrate the vital importance of political leadership in tackling preventable deaths.

Dr. Ackson stated that parliaments must work closely together to share solutions and best practices, helping translate international commitments into national priorities, parliamentary actions, and measurable results.

“We must connect parliaments to share solutions and best practices and help translate international commitments into national priorities, parliamentary actions, and measurable outcomes,” she said.

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