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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. 

With the goal of “Empowering Africa: Unveiling the Hidden Drivers Shaping Tomorrow,” I am honoured to have delivered my keynote address at the 10th Annual St Andrews Africa Summit, a commendable student-led and university-supported initiative dedicated to the challenges and opportunities we face on the continent.

I am particularly heartened by the summit’s focus on women and children’s health alongside science and technology, especially as we commemorated the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science, yesterday, emphasising women’s leadership in science to foster a new era for sustainability, while driving socio-economic development.

From improving health to combating climate change, women and girls play a critical role in the science and technology communities, and it is essential that their participation is strengthened, especially since STEM is widely regarded as critical to national economies across Africa.

I urged each student to seize the opportunity to be inspired, to learn, and to commit to action, as we are reminded of the transformative impact that collective action can have. Through platforms like such, we can foster open and respectful political dialogue, inspire technical innovation, and mobilise sustainable resources, leading to the unveiling of the hidden drivers shaping tomorrow’s Africa, a future defined by hope, resilience, prosperity, and boundless opportunity.

Watch the Keynote:

Written Keynote:

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and students of St. Andrews,

It is with immense pleasure that I join you today on this momentous occasion, as we gather for the 10th annual St. Andrews Africa Summit. For a decade now, the St. Andrews Africa Summit has served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action on the pressing issues facing Africa—a testament to the unwavering commitment of this student-led initiative and university-supported endeavour towards a more empowered Africa.

As the Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and Inaugural Global Health Ambassador for the World Health Organization, I am deeply honoured today to join you in exploring this year’s theme: “Empowering Africa: Unveiling the Hidden Drivers Shaping Tomorrow.” This theme resonates profoundly with the challenges and opportunities we face on the continent, and I commend the organisers for their foresight in selecting such a vital topic, especially as 18 African countries, a third of the population in Africa, head to the polls in 2024.

The importance of democratic governance cannot be overstated. Democracy empowers citizens, especially our youth to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed. With a flourishing youth population, the voices and votes of young people have the power to drive meaningful change and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.

As we reflect on the journey of the St. Andrews Africa Summit over the past decade, we are reminded of the transformative impact that collective action can have on shaping the future of our continent. It is through platforms like this one today, in which we can foster open and respectful political dialogue, inspire technical innovation, and mobilise sustainable resources to ensure Africa prospers.

I am particularly heartened by the focus on women’s and children’s health, empowerment, and socio-economic development—a cause that lies at the very heart of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s mission. For too long, women and children have borne the brunt of inequality across Africa, while being denied access to essential and quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

Yet, as we gather here, we stand on the cusp of change—a change that begins with each and every one of us. At the core of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’’s initiatives lies a commitment to holistic healthcare, education, and advocacy. Through strategic programming, advocacy and global partnerships, WBFA tackles the root challenges of maternal, newborn and child health while uplifting and empowering communities to build a healthier, brighter future.

Beyond policies and programmes, it is our collective will and determination that will truly drive progress. It is the belief that every individual in Africa has inherent worth and potential—that no one should be left behind—that will propel us forward on this journey of empowerment and transformation.

As we embark on this summit, I urge each and every one of you to seize this opportunity to be inspired, to learn from one another, and to commit to action. For it is through our joint efforts that we will unveil the hidden drivers shaping tomorrow’s Africa—a future defined by hope, resilience, and boundless opportunity.

Together, let us empower Africa and unleash its full potential.

Thank you.

From Davos, Switzerland at the 54th World Economic Forum:

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa Delegation was thrilled to join in launching forthcoming research by the McKinsey Health Institute and the World Economic Forum with leaders across the public, private, social, and philanthropic sectors for an action-oriented convening to explore the latest data powering the effort to draw awareness to the women’s health gap.

The report titled “Closing the Women’s Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity to Improve Lives and Economies,” emphasizes that investments addressing the women’s health gap would add years to life and life to years – while potentially boosting the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.

When discussing the challenges in women’s health, a common rejoinder is that women, on average, live longer than men. But this neglects the fact that women spend 25% more of their lives in debilitating health. Closing the women’s health gap would allow 3.9 billion women to lead healthier, higher-quality lives.

The report identifies four primary areas that need addressing to close the health gap: Science, Data, Care Delivery, and Investment, and to move forward, the report suggests action on five fronts: investing in women-centric research, strengthening the collection of sex-and gender-specific data, increasing access to women-specific care, creating incentives for investment in women’s health innovation, and implementing policies supporting women’s health.

Closing the women’s health gap is a moral imperative, as addressing these gaps would reduce the time women spend in poor health by almost two-thirds, adding an average of seven days of healthy living for each woman annually.

Together, we have a chance to lift millions of women out of poverty, improve future generations’ health, and foster healthy aging. We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.

Opening Speech: 

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed dignitaries and guests, and fellow champions of health in agriculture and rural development: 

I would like to begin by thanking UPL, the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, and Somerville College for hosting the third edition of the annual OpenAg Symposium series, as we come together today with a leading group of academics, policymakers, NGOs, and advocates to critically examine many of the issues facing agriculture in the twenty-first century, under the emphasis of enhancing resilience and delivering lasting change in rural societies.

I am truly honoured to stand before you today to discuss a topic of utmost importance – “How can improving farmer health and wellbeing enhance resiliency?.” Today, I also have the privilege of sharing direct insights from the frontlines, as the Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an NGO headquartered in Nigeria which works to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across the country, prioritising programmatic and locally driven impact with global advocacy, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In Nigeria, as with other developing nations, the agricultural sector is a primary source of livelihood for millions of people, with small-scale farmers comprising a significant portion of the workforce. These farmers often live in rural areas with limited access to healthcare, proper nutrition, clean water, and sanitation, and climate education. The challenges they face are complex, and are inextricably linked to their health and wellbeing.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa has been working tirelessly to empower rural communities with the knowledge and resources needed to overcome these vulnerabilities through programming which provides quality care and skills development. 

Female farmers especially play a pivotal role in global agriculture, and their health and wellbeing are critical to ensuring food security and sustainable development. Recognising the unique challenges faced by women in farming, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s flagship program, Mamacare360, has been instrumental in addressing the specific needs of women in these rural communities. 

Aimed at Goal 3 of the SDGs, good health and wellbeing for all, and working to improve maternal health by promoting Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) for all women during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the time after birth, WBFA sees the link between pregnant women and their primary health givers as vital to their health after delivery and that of their newborn. We believe that access to midwifery is a vital solution to the challenges of providing high-quality maternal and newborn care for all women and newborn infants in all countries. 

The programme delivers care in line with the World Health Organization (WHO, 2016) 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 best outcomes, by making the mother a premium partner in her own outcome, through education and awareness in birth preparedness, conducted by trained and trusted WBFA midwives, who have reached over 350,000 women. 

By providing essential health information, antenatal care, and postnatal support to female farmers and farming communities, Mamacare360 not only empowers these women but also contributes to building resilient agricultural communities. Through Mamacare360, we strive to create a brighter future where the health and wellbeing of female farmers and farming families are at the forefront of agricultural development, leading to stronger communities, and sustainable agriculture.

Good nutrition is also a cornerstone of health and wellbeing. In Nigeria, many farmers struggle with food insecurity and malnutrition. We can enhance resiliency by promoting nutrition education and sustainable agricultural practices that improve the diversity and availability of nutritious food for farmers and their families. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa have partnered with various global organisations over the years to promote the healthy nutrition of mother and child, from Zinc and low-osmolarity oral rehydration salts supplementation to prevent child deaths due to diarrhoeal disease with Nutrition International and the Government of Canada, to breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit with Medela Cares. 

Our formal partnership to address iron deficiency with the U.S. based Fortify was essential, as anaemia is the major underlying cause of maternal deaths during childbirth in developing countries. Iron deficiency is the most widespread public health disorder in the world, affecting at least one-third of the global population. According to the World Health Organisation, food-based approaches represent the most desirable and sustainable method of preventing micronutrient malnutrition. WBFA joined Fortify’s efforts to create the first-ever, iron fortified tomato-based product, and we were the primary community educators through our grassroots health workers regarding the life-saving benefit of consuming this improved version of tomato paste, which is a West African staple. 

In developing countries, the main cause of iron deficiency is low iron bioavailability of the diet, and leads to premature labour, low birth weight of the infant, birth asphyxia, neonatal anaemia, and death of both the mother and the child. The consequences of iron deficiency not only affect personal health, but the economic health of farming communities and countries as well. 

Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is a fundamental determinant of health, as according to the United Nations, over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.5 billion lack access to adequate sanitation services. This is prevalent in Nigeria, where millions lack access to clean water sources and sanitation, leading to waterborne diseases. WBFA thoroughly supports investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, to protect the health of farmers and reduce their vulnerability to climate-related health risks. Through the WBFA trained Sanitation Angels and our partnership with Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest Curriculum, we support the Clean Naija initiative, teaching proper handwashing practice across schools, communities and health care facilities. Reaching over 43,000 this year alone, with a target of over 340,000 in phase 2, our work intersects significantly with the lives of Nigerian farmers. Farmers across Nigeria grapple with various challenges related to environmental pollution, inadequate waste management, and the impact of pollution on their crops and livestock. With a focus on handwashing, and advocating for the improvement of waste management and environmental sanitation, we promote and educate on clean and healthy environments, not only ensuring the wellbeing of farming communities but also fostering agricultural sustainability and productivity. 

Enhancing the adaptive capacity of both health and agricultural systems is essential. The United Nations Development Programme emphasises the importance of building climate-resilient infrastructure and agricultural practices, especially as the World Health Organization estimates that climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, primarily due to malaria, diarrhoea, heat stress, and malnutrition. These risks disproportionately affect farmers and their families, and we must provide farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to changing weather patterns, as well as strengthening healthcare infrastructure to respond effectively to climate-related health emergencies. By providing training and awareness programs that help farmers recognize the signs of climate-related illnesses and take preventive measures can make a significant difference in their resilience. 

When I was at COP27, we discussed the intersection of climate and health at great lengths, as climatic changes exacerbate poverty and poor health outcomes, pushing rural farming communities further into vulnerability and hardship. Looking ahead to COP28 and the first ever Health Day, it is critical we highlight safeguarding rural livelihoods from the destabilising impacts of extreme weather events, as it is not just an agricultural imperative; it’s a matter of public health and human dignity. 

Government policies and private sector involvement also play a pivotal role in enhancing farmer health and wellbeing. Encouraging public-private partnerships can lead to the development of innovative solutions that address the healthcare needs of rural farming communities. 

Let us remember that the path to a more resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria and beyond begins with the health and wellbeing of our farmers. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa remains dedicated to this cause, and looks forward to creating lasting change in agriculture, improving the lives of countless farmers and their families, while building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Statement:

Distinguished Chairperson, esteemed delegates, and fellow participants,

On behalf of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an accredited non-State actor, to address the Seventy-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC73)- Agenda Item 8 – The Framework for implementing the Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery, 2021–2025 in the WHO African Region .Our focus today lies on the pivotal theme of optimizing nursing and midwifery practice, innovation, and research in the WHO African Region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has unequivocally underscored the indispensable role of nurses and midwives in achieving global health objectives, particularly universal health coverage, mental health wellbeing, gender-based violence provisions and health security. These dedicated professionals constitute over 50% of our health workforce. While commendable strides have been made, with the density of nurses and midwives improving from 12 to 18 per 10,000 population between 2005 and 2020, we must recognize that the goal of reaching at least 40 per 10,000 by 2030 necessitates the recruitment of more than 3 million additional nurses and midwives.

The Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021–2025 (GSDNM), endorsed by the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly in 2021, provides a pivotal roadmap for progress. Highlighted in the comprehensive evaluation, resulting in the framework titled ‘The nursing and midwifery workforce in the African Region: Optimizing and accelerating investments for resilient health systems’.

Aiming to expedite progress towards universal health coverage, resilience, and health security, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa believes that the four framework’s strategic directions should embody:

Aligning and Expanding Education and Training: By expanding training opportunities based on national health needs, we intend to address critical gaps in specialized skills for nurses and midwives. Education must evolve in tandem with evolving healthcare demands. We must also not overlook the role of youth in shaping the future of healthcare, and engage and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. As we lay the groundwork for optimizing nursing and midwifery, let us also invest in nurturing the passion and potential of young individuals who will carry forward the torch of healthcare excellence and resilience.

Stimulating and Sustaining Investments in Decent Employment: Adequate planning and resource allocation are crucial to the employment, deployment, and retention of nurses and midwives. Decent employment contributes to effective healthcare delivery.

Strengthening Leadership, Regulation, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Advocating for nursing and midwifery leadership development, adopting standards for education and practice, and enhancing regulatory mechanisms are key to enhancing the influence and effectiveness of these professions.

Optimizing Practice, Innovation, and Research: Encouraging nurses and midwives to maximize their knowledge and skills, promote innovation, and engage in systematic research will drive ongoing advancements in healthcare practice.

Furthermore, we must recognise that the imperative of “do no harm” as enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath necessitates a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Improving access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and investing in the enhanced environmental management of resources are essential elements of infection prevention and control strategies. By ensuring hygienic conditions and efficient waste management, we safeguard the health of both patients and healthcare workers. Moreover, these efforts are intrinsically linked to building readiness for the complex challenges posed by climate change and its impact on health systems. As we invest in optimizing nursing and midwifery practice, innovation, and research, let us also commit to a holistic approach that embraces environmental stewardship, aligning our pursuits with the broader goal of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of present and future generations in the WHO African Region.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa fervently urges this esteemed Committee to consider and adopt the priority interventions and actions delineated above and in this framework. By supporting these strategies, we reinforce our commitment to a resilient and responsive health system, which will ultimately empower nurses and midwives to contribute even more significantly to the wellbeing of our communities. As we strive for a healthier future for all Africans, we stand ready to collaborate in fostering innovation, research, and excellence within nursing and midwifery practice, so that one billion more people may enjoy better health and wellbeing.

Thank you for your attention.

Name: Her Excellency Toyin Ojora Saraki
Position: Founder-President, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) & Special Advisor, WHO AFRO Independent Advisory Group (IAG)
Date: 22/08/23

Opening Remarks

Good Afternoon esteemed dignitaries; Your Excellencies – First Ladies of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, and Africa REACH members and supporters, I am Toyin Saraki, the Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a non-governmental organisation which aims to improve the social and health outcomes for women, infants and children and an Inaugural Africa REACH Leadership Council Member. I am delighted to welcome you all to the Africa REACH launch today, and commit to an Africa united against childhood HIV.

Today, we are remarkably close to eliminating HIV transmission around the world, thanks to dedicated scientists, frontline health care workers, and activists. Yet, due to deep seated stigma and lack of equal access, progress in preventing, detecting and treating HIV to reduce case counts and AIDS-related deaths is hindered, leading to millions of children, women, girls and communities across Africa being denied the opportunity to enjoy long and healthy lives.

Alongside this, a strong sense of complacency is threatening to take hold of Africa as efforts of preparation and the health agenda, especially in regards to maternal and paediatric HIV, continue to be dominated by global actors with limited on the ground understanding. These global commitments and mandates which are not accompanied by African partnerships, definitive and sustainable financing or resources have led to the African Union and other African actors to grow weary, clearly highlighting the need for this continental issue to be tackled at home, by us.

An African priority, as approximately 90% of all children living with HIV worldwide reside in Africa, ending AIDS in children and youth in Africa is about the future of the continent, not just about global “epidemic control.” We need homegrown action and care, as HIV infections amongst children continue to remain more than 8 times the global target, and currently, the number of children on treatment is not increasing, with over 800,000 children and 400,000 adolescents living with HIV. We cannot end AIDS in Africa, nor achieve the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals for our countries without investing in children and adolescents.

Africa Reaching the End of AIDS in Children and Youth in Africa by 2025 – known as Africa REACH – is uniquely positioned as an African-led, African-focused effort intended to unify and amplify its strongest political and cultural forces to create true continental change and fulfil the promise of an AIDS-free generation in Africa. Our mission is to renew commitment, influence African political and cultural structures, and generational leadership, to accelerate continental momentum, and catalyse a new action agenda in ending AIDS among children and youth in Africa. This initiative requires new and diverse voices; and consequently, the establishment of the Africa REACH Leadership Council, who join us today. The Africa REACH Leadership Council comprises highly influential individuals, business leaders, political leaders, cultural power brokers that can amplify the paediatric and youth HIV agenda beyond conventional political venues.

The 2023 theme for OAFLAD is ‘Closing gaps in gender equity’ which zones in on Africa’s drive for progress across its health and development challenges, and how gender equality should be prioritised as part of this agenda. A significant strategic intervention of Africa REACH is the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), through the reduction of vertical-transmission rates, and increased treatment access and adherence support among children. The equity gap between adults and children as well as women accessing life-saving treatment can no longer be sustained.

Through this partnership with OAFLAD, Africa REACH aims to emphasise the link and retention of all pregnant and breastfeeding women in a tailored continuum of testing, prevention, and treatment services, and the urgent scale-up of efforts to find, diagnose and provide children living with HIV to optimal child-friendly treatment.

We must commit to leaving no one behind, by addressing the discrimination, and other social, age and gender-related barriers that make children vulnerable to HIV and impede their access to treatment. Today and every day, we call on African communities, multi-sectoral partners, civil society, governments and both the private and public sectors to come together for an action agenda around ending paediatric and youth AIDS!