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Closing Keynote Address 

Honourable Leaders, Distinguished Guests, and Esteemed Colleagues, 

It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to address you today at the culmination of this pivotal dialogue on advancing sustainable global health systems. Our discussions over the course of this entire summit have reaffirmed an urgent and inescapable truth: the health of humanity, the health of our planet, and the health of economies are deeply interconnected. We can no longer afford to address these challenges in isolation. The future of healthcare in Nigeria, across Sub-Saharan Africa, and around the world depends on our ability to build sustainable, equitable, and resilient health systems that are prepared to withstand the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow.

As we reflect on the commitments made here today, we must acknowledge that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat, it is already having devastating effects on health outcomes across Africa. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation are driving the spread of infectious diseases such as malaria, cholera, and respiratory illnesses, while extreme weather events, from droughts in the Sahel to devastating floods in Nigeria, are displacing families, disrupting healthcare services, and pushing vulnerable communities further into poverty. These environmental challenges exacerbate existing maternal and child health disparities, leaving pregnant women and newborns at even greater risk.

At The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we have seen first-hand how climate change is not just an environmental crisis, but a health crisis, one that disproportionately impacts women, children, and marginalised communities. Through our work on maternal, newborn, and child health, we have witnessed how poor air quality increases the risk of preterm births and respiratory conditions in newborns. We have seen how the displacement caused by floods and droughts disrupts access to essential prenatal and postnatal care, putting both mothers and babies at risk. And we have seen how food insecurity, driven by climate-induced agricultural losses, is leading to rising cases of malnutrition and stunted growth in young children across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

These are not abstract statistics, they are lived realities for millions of people in the communities we serve, and they are why today’s conversations on transitioning to sustainable healthcare systems are so critical. If we are to build a healthier and more equitable future for all, then we must take bold steps to integrate climate resilience into every aspect of our healthcare infrastructure, from the way we deliver care in rural communities to the way we design and power our hospitals.

The commitments we have heard today, from decarbonising healthcare supply chains to investing in climate-smart hospitals, are essential steps forward, but we must ensure that these commitments do not remain theoretical aspirations, but translate into real impact for the communities that need them most. For countries like Nigeria, where healthcare infrastructure is already under significant strain, we cannot afford to have sustainability seen as a luxury, it must be a necessity, embedded in the very foundation of how we design and deliver care.

This means taking practical, scalable actions to transition to more resilient and climate-smart health systems. First, we must invest in renewable energy for healthcare facilities. In Nigeria, where over 60% of healthcare facilities lack reliable electricity, the need for sustainable energy solutions is not just an environmental responsibility, it is a matter of life and death. Solar-powered clinics and hospitals offer a transformative solution, ensuring that life-saving medical care can be delivered without the constant threat of power outages. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa has long championed solarisation projects for maternal and child health centers, guaranteeing that pregnant women can access essential services without disruption. Expanding these efforts will strengthen healthcare delivery across rural and urban communities alike.

Second, we must strengthen community-based healthcare and preventative care. The future of sustainable healthcare in Africa cannot be hospital-centric. We must prioritise primary and preventative healthcare at the community level, ensuring that diseases are detected and treated early, rather than relying on costly emergency interventions. Nigeria’s success in reducing maternal and child mortality has been driven by the dedication of frontline health workers, midwives, and community-based programs like WBFA’s MamaCare360 Antenatal and Postnatal Classes initiative. This program provides expectant mothers with essential education and support throughout pregnancy and beyond. By integrating climate and environmental awareness into these programs, we can empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their own health in the face of environmental challenges.

Third, we must reform healthcare supply chains to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, faces a paradox—despite its economic strength, its healthcare supply chains remain highly inefficient, with significant waste, emissions, and gaps in distribution. The transition to sustainable health systems must include investment in green procurement, localised production of essential medicines, and the reduction of single-use plastics and medical waste. If multinational pharmaceutical companies can commit to decarbonizing their supply chains, then we must ensure that this progress extends to African healthcare ecosystems, where inefficiencies contribute to both environmental and health burdens.

Finally, we must integrate climate resilience into medical training and education. The next generation of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively to climate-related health challenges. Around the world, global universities are leading the way by embedding climate-conscious medical curricula into their programs. It is imperative that medical schools in Nigeria and across Africa follow suit, ensuring that climate resilience and sustainability are not treated as optional add-ons, but as core components of healthcare education. By preparing our future healthcare workforce with climate literacy and sustainability expertise, we ensure that they are ready to lead in building a health system that is adaptive, responsive, and prepared for the challenges ahead.

While these strategies represent a pathway forward, the real challenge lies in implementation, and this is where I urge each of us, governments, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations, to take bold and decisive action.

We must invest, not just pledge. Commitments must be backed by sustained financing, innovative funding mechanisms, and public-private partnerships that enable real, on-the-ground impact.

We must collaborate across sectors. No single institution or government can drive this transition alone. The private sector, the public sector, academia, and civil society must work together to accelerate the adoption of sustainable health policies and practices.

We must put equity at the heart of sustainability. A net-zero healthcare transition must not widen the gap between rich and poor nations. Climate-smart healthcare solutions must reach the most underserved and vulnerable communities first, not last.

And most importantly, we must hold ourselves accountable. The commitments made today must be tracked, measured, and evaluated. The success of our collective efforts will not be judged by words, but by lives saved, emissions reduced, and healthcare systems strengthened.

As we look ahead to 2030, the actions we take now will define the future of healthcare in Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond. If we succeed, we will build a healthcare system that is resilient, equitable, and sustainable, one that is prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century with strength and foresight. If we fail, we will see rising climate-driven health crises, deepening inequalities, and unnecessary loss of life.

I refuse to accept the latter outcome. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa remains steadfast in its mission to drive this transformation, from the frontlines of maternal and child health to the highest levels of global policy advocacy, but we cannot do it alone.

Let us ensure that today’s discussions do not end here. Let us go forward with a renewed commitment to action, to collaboration, and to a vision of healthcare that is truly sustainable, resilient, and just. Let today be remembered not just for the promises we made, but for the actions we take. The future of health in Nigeria and across Africa depends on it. Thank you.

Building Trust for a Healthier World

As the World Health Summit 2024 convenes in Berlin, an international platform for global health, setting the agenda for a healthier future and wellbeing for all, I was pleased to virtually engage and provide a keynote goodwill at the World Health Summit 2024 Pre-Conference Partners Symposium on Self-Care, organised by the World Health Organization Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, in collaboration with the Global Self-Care Federation.

Amplifying the Joint Statement on Self-Care Interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights to Advance Universal Health Coverage, endorsed by the UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, the Symposium aimed to develop a global action plan to operationalise actions to help guide academic researchers, industry, health policy and decision-makers, and funders, as they design and fund health systems and people-centered activities to influence self-care policies and practices.

The success of self-care interventions relies heavily on a well-trained health workforce that can support these initiatives with competency-based education. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa midwives, nurses, and other frontline health personnel play a pivotal role in promoting trust in self-care and ensuring that individuals have the knowledge and confidence to use these tools effectively.

This will serve to move the world closer to achieving the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals targets, including Universal Health Cover, in line with the WHO’s thirteenth and fourteenth General Programmes of Work (GPW-13 and GPW-14), as supported by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and together through strategic investment, policy innovation, and collaborative action, we can accelerate progress toward a world where health and wellbeing are within reach for all.

 

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I was honoured to deliver the opening keynote virtually at the Africa REACH Friends and Partners Group Breakfast Side Event during The International Workshop on Adolescence, SRHR, & HIV 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya this week, within my capacity as an Africa REACH Inaugural Leadership Council member, and under this years theme of “Building a Brighter Future: Staying Ahead of the Evolving HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Landscape.”

Addressing the critical theme of “The Triple Threat: HIV, Adolescent Pregnancies, and Gender-Based Violence in High Burden HIV Countries,” Africa REACH Leadership Council Members and allies hosted this critical breakfast side event in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Through my keynote, I highlighted the urgent need for collective action, advanced by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, as the solutions are clear: comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly health services, community engagement, economic empowerment for young women, and stronger legal frameworks to protect against violence, can unlock the full potential of Africa’s youth and create a future where they are empowered, healthy, and safe.

I look forward to the continued collaboration and action generated from this important dialogue.

Africa Reaching the End of AIDS in Children and Young People in Africa by 2025 (Africa REACH) is an African-led, African-focused initiative founded in 2022 that envisions an Africa where children and young people are free from AIDS. Chaired by my dear friend and sister, H.E. MonicaGeingos, Africa REACH works towards an AIDS-Free Generation of African Youth, in support of AfricanUnion objectives.

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Midwives, healthcare colleagues, and distinguished guests, Happy International Day of the Midwife!

My name is Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria with the aim of improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through midwifery-led frontline programming and global advocacy, and as the Inaugural Global Goodwill Ambassador of the International Confederation of Midwives and the World Health Organization Foundation Inaugural Global Health Ambassador, it is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to the Virtual International Day of the Midwife, a 24-hour Online Conference centred on the 5th May for midwives and anyone interested in childbirth.

As we gather virtually from all corners of the globe, united by our shared commitment to improving maternal health outcomes, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of midwifery in shaping the future of childbirth and beyond. This year, as we commemorate the International Day of the Midwife, our theme resonates deeply with the essence of sustainable midwifery: “Caring for Tomorrow’s World.” Indeed, as the guardians of life’s most sacred moments, midwives hold the key to nurturing a future where every mother and child receives the care and support they deserve while safeguarding the health of our planet for generations to come.

Central to our discussions today is the imperative of Respectful Maternity Care—an ethos which is at the heart of sustainable midwifery. Respectful Maternity Care is a guiding principle that highlights the importance of treating every woman with dignity, compassion, and empathy throughout her childbirth journey. It is about honouring her autonomy, respecting her choices, and upholding her rights, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.

At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, our flagship Mamacare360 programme is aimed at Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, good health and wellbeing for all, and our WBFA midwives work to improve maternal health by promoting Respectful Maternity Care for all women during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the time after birth, as we see the link between pregnant women and their primary health givers as vital to their health after delivery and that of their newborn.

Mamacare360 delivers care in line with the World Health Organization recommendations for pregnant women to increase the number of contact with healthcare providers throughout their pregnancy, from four to at least eight. Mamacare360 is bridging an identified gap in achieving the best outcomes, by making the mother a premium partner in her own outcome, through education and awareness in birth preparedness. 

The Mamacare360 birth preparedness programme of antenatal and postnatal education uses tools such as Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (EmONC), client-held Personal Health Records (PHRs) and Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to empower the mother by engendering health information and education, during that key eleven-month (antenatal and postnatal) nest and nurture period. Alongside this, through the development and distribution of the now ubiquitous clean delivery Mamakit, which has been adopted, replicated, and amplified so widely across the country, we ensure that every pregnant woman has sanitary and sterile delivery materials with her, to encourage safe hospital deliveries.

Furthermore, as we champion RMC, we must also recognise the integral role of mental health in maternity care. The journey to motherhood is a profound and transformative experience—one that can be accompanied by a myriad of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty. Yet, all too often, the mental health needs of mothers are overlooked or marginalised.

Beyond the physical aspects of care, midwives are uniquely positioned to address the holistic needs of expectant mothers, including their mental health. Maternal mental health is an essential component of overall well-being during the perinatal period, impacting not only the mother but also the child and family dynamics. Midwives provide compassionate support, guidance, and resources to help mothers navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany pregnancy and childbirth. By promoting mental wellness and early intervention for issues such as postpartum depression and anxiety, midwives contribute significantly to the long-term health and happiness of both mothers and their families. Their expertise in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment empowers women to embark on their journey into motherhood with confidence and resilience.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa is proud to be a longstanding technical policy, advocacy, and planning partner to the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and most recently, has developed and integrated Nigeria’s Perinatal Mental Health Checklist within the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Maternal and Child Health MCH Handbook,  highlighting the shared commitment to improving access to primary, secondary and tertiary mental health and wellbeing services for all people in Nigeria, through the structured unification of national policy efforts towards achieving universal health coverage for mental health and encouragement of full implementation of the provisions of the National Mental Health Act of 2021.

Today as we action RMC and our work towards improving maternal mental health, let us also recommit ourselves to ensuring that every mother receives the quality care she deserves and strive to create environments that foster resilience, offer support, and break down the stigma surrounding maternal mental health.

As we navigate the complexities of childbirth in an ever-changing world, let us draw inspiration from the resilience and dedication of midwives everywhere. Together, we have the power to shape a future where every birth is a joyous occasion, every mother is empowered, and every child thrives.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication to the noble profession of midwifery. Your tireless efforts, compassion, and advocacy are the bedrock of maternal health, and it is through your collective action that we will continue to make positive strides. 

Thank you, and may this Virtual International Day of the Midwife be a source of inspiration and collaboration, as we forge ahead on our shared workstream towards sustainable midwifery and maternal wellbeing!

Speech:

Midwives, healthcare colleagues, and distinguished guests,

My name is Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria with the aim of improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through midwifery-led frontline programming and global advocacy, and as the Inaugural Global Goodwill Ambassador of the International Confederation of Midwives and the World Health Organization Foundation Inaugural Global Health Ambassador, it is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to the Summit on Unifying Midwifery in Africa: Reimagine, Reignite, Rise!

Firstly, I would like to thank the Summit Leadership, led by a 12-member Steering Committee, co-chaired by CEHDAR, for providing us a platform today, to gather during a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to collaborate and engage with African midwives, midwifery leaders, and supporters, and facilitate strategic discussions to decide the way forward towards a united African midwifery system for Africa, with a singular focus on enhancing the health and wellbeing of mothers, children, and adolescents.

As we convene here today, we are reminded of the profound impact that midwives have on the lives of countless individuals and families. Each midwife is a steward of life, as the caregiver, protector, teacher and advocate, guiding newborns through their tender first few crucial moments, and cradling mothers as they navigate the vast expanse of motherhood’s embrace, all while safeguarding the sanctity of birth.

The recent State of the World’s Midwifery report has established that when midwives are educated to international standards, and midwifery includes the provision of family planning, it could avert more than 80% of all maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Achieving this impact also requires midwives to be licensed, regulated, fully integrated into health systems, and working in interprofessional teams. Therefore, the evidence is unequivocal: when midwives are equipped with the necessary education, resources, and support, they have the power to avert a significant portion of maternal and newborn deaths and can achieve global, regional, and national RMNCAH goals.

Yet, despite the invaluable contributions of midwives, we find ourselves confronted with a stark reality—a shortage of these vital healthcare professionals, particularly in Africa, where the need is vast. This reality demands our urgent attention and concerted action, for every mother, every child, and every adolescent deserves access to quality healthcare, and we must rise to meet this challenge head-on, transforming the trajectory.

According to the International Confederation of Midwives, the three key pillars of a profession are education, regulation, and professional association. This is to be supported by strong policy, leadership, sound governance, and a formidable workforce management system within an atmosphere of respect for the voices of midwives for mothers, their newborns and the profession of midwifery by midwives.

As we convene in Ghana today, I commend the Ghana Registered Midwives Association which is amongst the oldest of such organisations in Africa and highlight that we stand on the cusp of a new chapter—one defined by revitalisation, reimagination, and resurgence, especially in unifying the voice of midwifery across the continent, which has refound support and leadership – envisioning an African continent where competent midwives are available in all settings to provide quality midwifery care in partnership with women, their families and the community.

As we mobilise African midwives to translate and culturally adapt the global health agenda to align with regional and national-level evidence-based interventions and promote the African maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health agenda for 2030 and beyond; over the next three days at this summit, you will engage in meaningful discussions, deliberate on key issues, and chart a course towards a defined African midwifery system, drawing upon the wisdom and expertise of participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, unified by a common purpose: to empower midwives, strengthen midwifery associations, and improve health outcomes for all.

At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we have worked with the federal and regional governments of Nigeria to improve the training, working conditions and remuneration of midwives, as well as deploying midwives to underserved, rural areas of the country, and we continuously witness first-hand how our interventions would have limited impact without competent, educated, and empowered WBFA midwives, who are at the core of our frontline work and the protagonists in achieving safe births and lowering maternal mortality and morbidity rates, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being.

As we embark on this journey, let us reflect on the popular African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ The task before us may seem daunting, but it is not insurmountable. With determination, perseverance, and solidarity, we can—and we will—forge a flourishing and healthier future for midwifery in Africa.

Thank you!

Students and Distinguished Guests,

My name is Toyin Saraki, and I am the Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an NGO headquartered in Nigeria which works to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for women and children across the country. WBFA prioritises frontline impact with global advocacy, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is with great honour that I join you today to provide the keynote address at this year’s LSE Africa Summit. This summit, renowned for its commitment to exploring the complexities and opportunities across Africa’s socio-economic landscape, is a testament to the collective dedication towards shaping a more prosperous future for our continent.

The theme of this year’s summit, “African Minds Transforming Futures: Building Resilient Education Systems,” highlights one of the most critical pillars of development in Africa: education, and is especially attuned to the African Union theme of this year: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”.

Even with a substantial increase in the number of African children with access to basic education, a large number still remain out of school, with nearly 20.2 million children in Nigeria not in school even though primary education is officially free and compulsory, and according to UNESCO out of the 244 million children aged 6 to 18 not in school globally, more than 40%, or 98 million of them, live in sub-Saharan Africa. This reality calls for concern.

Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge, it is the cornerstone upon which resilient societies are built, economies flourish, and futures are transformed. Without education, where would any of us be today? Every single person in this room knows education transforms lives, economies and societies. However, the reality we face across much of Africa, particularly in Nigeria, highlights the urgency of addressing the myriad challenges plaguing our education systems, which continue throughout the span of life, from post-secondary education or upskilling much later on in a profession.

What are the barriers preventing children, women and the most marginalised communities from accessing education? The answers are multifaceted but rooted in systemic issues such as poverty, gender inequality, cultural norms, and inadequate infrastructure. For many children in Nigeria, especially girls and women living in rural areas, the journey to school or university is fraught with obstacles, ranging from long distances to lack of proper facilities and safety concerns.

Furthermore, the quality of education offered, even for those fortunate enough to attend school, often falls short of providing the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape. The brain drain from Nigeria has also had a severe impact on the country’s educational system, as the lack of qualified teachers and professors has been especially detrimental to providing quality education opportunities to many citizens.

Education is in serious crisis, and progress towards the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, needs to be enhanced. Globalisation patterns and pressures in our increasingly interconnected world have brought remarkable gains yet, we are keenly aware that the benefits are yet to reach all. Equitable inclusive access to lifelong quality education for all, ensuring that people, especially, women and children match the 21st century global and local marketplaces, will enable adolescents and adults with knowledge and competency to participate in socio-economic, political and civic life.

Despite having the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria faces a shortage of skilled workers hindering its growth. The roots of Nigeria productivity crisis burrow deep into the failures of its education sector. As per UNESCO’s data, Nigeria’s illiteracy rate was a staggering 59% among youths and 65% among adults over 15 years old. Despite the glaring need for reform, the government’s budget allocation to education has consistently been less than the recommended 26% by UNESCO. Addressing these challenges require a concerted effort from all stakeholders – governments, civil society, the private sector, and the international community. 

Education is indispensable to productivity, progress and prosperity, and as the African Union promises to contribute towards revitalised, quality, relevant, and harmonised education systems responsive to the needs of Africa, it is necessary to take into account Africa’s aspiration and capacity in terms of human and material resources for sustainability, longevity and equality. We must prioritise investments in education, not as an expenditure but as an investment in the future prosperity of our nations. 

This means allocating sufficient resources to improve infrastructure, train teachers, and ensure that every child and adolescent, regardless of gender or socio-economic background, has access to quality education. Moreover, we must tackle the root causes of inequality which perpetuate the cycle of educational deprivation. This entails empowering marginalised communities, particularly women and girls, and addressing cultural norms that hinder their access to education. 

When a girl is educated, she grows up into a woman who has the adequate knowledge, information and skill to ensure the welfare of her family, the health and wellbeing of her children and the impact her actions have on her community. As the Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, I am proud to say that we are committed to playing our part in this transformative journey. 

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa has been at the forefront of prioritising education and investing in the lives of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly in Nigeria and across Africa. Since inception in 2004, WBFA has actively engaged in advocacy, writing of educational materials, policy papers and articles to promote education and implementation of health education programmes in collaboration with its local and global partners. Our learnings, guidance and recommendations are currently being actualized through various programmes such as our Adolescent Skills and Drills, Personal, Social and Health Education and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme, implemented by a team of committed experts in public health and education who lead our on the ground community trusted grassroots programming. 

We are working tirelessly to ensure that every girl, child, adolescent and adult in Nigeria has the opportunity to fulfil their potential through education, but our efforts alone are not enough. We need collective action, collaboration, and innovation to build resilient education systems that can withstand the challenges of today and prepare our youth for the opportunities of tomorrow. This requires thinking beyond traditional models of education and embracing technology, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning. 

Nelson Mandela famously called education “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The future of Africa depends on the investments we make in education today, equipping our children, youth and adults with the tools, skills, and possibility of imagination necessary to shape and transform the Africa around them, making their community and society better, more prosperous, and, hopefully, more peaceful in the years ahead.  

It is evident today, as you take part in the summit and share dialogue, that each student of the London School of Economics has the drive and resources to be the force behind the realisation of our shared educational vision. Each of  you is armed with knowledge, passion, and a commitment to excellence, embodying the African minds capable of transforming futures and building resilient education systems. Each of you has ideas, advocacy, and unwavering determination, to not only shape the future of Africa but also inspire global change. I look forward to continuing to support the students of LSE and the Programme for African Leadership, as through our joint efforts we will truly create a world where education is the key to unlocking the full potential of every African child, every African community, and every African nation.      

Thank you.