The COVID-19 pandemic has led to devastating setbacks in the achievement of the health-related SDGs and caused significant disruptions in the provision of SRHR services, including MNCH. The multiple converging crises (climate, conflicts, pandemic) we are experiencing raise the question of how health systems can be made more resilient. "Health for all" is a guiding principle of UHC. However, achieving UHC is only achievable if an inclusive, human rights-based approach is taken, which includes marginalized groups and those left furthest behind. Amongst others, this requires increased attention to SRHR, MNCH and gender-transformative approaches. To meet the needs of all populations, comprehensive SRHR services must be included in health systems strengthening plans and reforms.

SRHR services are cost-effective and have benefits far beyond the health sector. By realizing SRHR, women, girls and young people get a chance to tap their full potential and participate socially, politically, and economically. This enhances the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and contributes to overall economic growth and sustainable development.

Objectives:

  • Speakers will discuss what role SRHR plays in global efforts to achieve UHC, including the integration of comprehensive SRHR services in UHC reforms, in-country plans, and the strategies and tools to enable this.
  • In the context of multiple global crises and the resulting negative impact on SRHR, the session will explore how this affects efforts to achieve UHC and the ability to reach the SRHR-related SDGs.
  • Speakers will look at the role of sustainable financing for SRHR and the implications for UHC processes.

Chair: Dr. Anshu Banerjee, World Health Organization (WHO) | Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing Department | Director

Speakers:

  • Dr. Sahar Al Qawasmi, Member of Palestinian Legislative Council
  • Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) | Chair of the Board | Former Prime Minister of New Zealand | Switzerland
  • Prof. Dr. Awa Marie Coll Seck, Ministry of State | Minister of State to the President | Senegal
  • Dr. Natalia Kanem, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) | Executive Director
  • Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) | Parliamentary State Secretary | Germany
  • Maziko Matemvu, Young Feminists Network | Vice President | United States of America Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) | Adolescent and Youth Constituency | Vice Chair | Switzerland
  • Dr. Monique Vledder, Global Financing Facility (GFF) | Head of Secretariat
Registration