PMNCH Launches 2026-2030 Strategy Amid Global Health Challenges

In a pivotal moment for global health, Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), announced the organization’s ambitious strategy for 2026-2030 on July 29, 2025. This strategy aims to address the alarming stagnation in global health progress, particularly the persistent inequalities and human rights violations affecting the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and adolescents. As Khosla emphasized, 'The status quo is simply not an option as real people are suffering the consequences of inaction, and lives are needlessly at risk.'

The announcement comes at a time when global health initiatives face unprecedented challenges. According to a 2025 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing health disparities, and a rise in authoritarian regimes has led to a tightening of civic spaces, particularly impacting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Khosla highlighted that disinformation campaigns have undermined public trust in science, while armed conflicts and economic instability continue to destabilize healthcare systems worldwide.

PMNCH's new strategy is rooted in the power of partnerships and collective advocacy, focusing particularly on regions in the Global South. Khosla noted, 'Implementation is focused on fulfilling unmet commitments to women's, children's, and adolescents' health and well-being.' The strategy also aims to strengthen accountability and amplify advocacy for SRHR.

Dr. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and a prominent advocate for global health, contributed to the Lancet article emphasizing the urgency of this strategy. Clark stated, 'The health and rights of women, children, and adolescents are not only essential, but are fully within our grasp.'

The PMNCH's strategic direction is timely, as evidenced by the recent BRICS Summit where member states launched a new partnership aimed at eliminating diseases driven by poverty and inequity. This partnership underscores the necessity of addressing broader social, economic, and environmental determinants affecting health outcomes.

With over 300 partners contributing to the development of this strategy, Khosla expressed gratitude for their insights and collaboration, affirming, 'We couldn’t have done it without you!'

As the world grapples with these health challenges, the PMNCH's 2026-2030 strategy represents a critical step towards achieving health equity and ensuring that the health and rights of the most vulnerable populations remain at the forefront of global health agendas.

For more information, media inquiries can be directed to David Gomez, Communications Officer at PMNCH, via email at gomezjo@who.int.