Efforts to set global maternal newborn health priorities remain challenged by limited resources and lack of clarity around how to tailor interventions to specific contexts, a group of global experts discussed in a webinar hosted by Align MNH on January 27, 2026. Countdown to 2030 Director Dr. Cheikh Faye participated in a candid conversation along with moderator Mercy Juma; Dr. Lia Tadesse, former Minister of Health of Ethiopia and now Executive Director of Harvard’s Ministerial Leadership Program; and Nafisa Jiddawi, Founder & CEO of WAJAMAMA in Zanzibar.
The conversation is part of a series of webinars leading up to the International Maternal Newborn Health conference in March 2026.
As countries seek to reduce reliance on external funding, conversations about prioritization and efficiency are everywhere, but are they actually helping or adding to the confusion? With mounting evidence for many ways to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and stillbirths, countries are under increasing pressure to decide where to spend scarce resources. The concept of “best buys” promises clarity yet often oversimplifies the complex realities of health systems at different stages of development.
Dr. Tadesse noted that remarkable gains have been achieved in reducing maternal and newborn deaths, but progress also seems to be stalling in many places. Dr. Faye added that health workforce remains an important challenge in many settings.
The group also agreed that donor restrictions present a challenge. African researchers’ ability to set priorities and rely less on outside experts is crucial and much progress is being made in this area.
Ms. Jiddawi also reminded the group that behavior change is difficult and requires patience and persistence.
Some other key takeaways from the talk are that:
- Local context is critical: Global “best buys” should be tailored to local needs.
- Political commitment is essential: While evidence exists, leadership is needed to implement it.
- Domestic financing fosters ownership: Those who control resources determine priorities.
- Governance is crucial: Decision-makers and their processes significantly impact outcomes.
- Bi-directional partnerships ensure practical solutions: Engaging frontline workers and communities is essential. Nothing for us without us.
Learn more:
- Aligh MNH Secretariat blog
- The Role of Data in Strengthening Health Workforce
- Commentary: Rethinking global health resilience amid donor funding cuts
- The 2025 report of the Lancet Countdown to 2030 for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health: tracking progress on health and nutrition
- Countdown fellows program to mentor African researchers