African Union Launched Maternal Health Roadmap
The initiative aims to curb high rates of maternal and child mortality across the continent by 2030.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Pregnancy
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The African Union has introduced a new Continental Roadmap for 2026-2030 to address critical gaps in maternal and child healthcare. The program targets the reduction of preventable deaths and ensures health access across all 55 member nations.
Why it matters
Current progress has been insufficient to meet international development benchmarks, as the region experiences disproportionately high levels of maternal and childhood mortality. The roadmap seeks to align investments and leadership to accelerate change before the 2030 deadline.
The roadmap introduces the Three Zeros strategy, targeting home deliveries, preventable maternal deaths, and child vaccination gaps. Progress will be measured by 55 member states using a seven-indicator Presidential RMNCAH Scorecard.
The players
African Union
The African Union is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa.
Samia Suluhu Hassan
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the President of Tanzania and has been appointed as the AU Champion for Maternal and Child Health.
Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention provides technical coordination for health implementation across the continent.
The details
The strategy focuses on strengthening political leadership and implementing high-impact medical interventions with technical coordination provided by the Africa CDC. It addresses the fact that the continent currently accounts for more than half of the world's zero-dose children.
Timeline
The Continental Roadmap spans the 2026-2030 period.
The year 2030 serves as the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Roadmap
The initiative aligns regional health efforts with the progress benchmarks established by the Sustainable Development Goals. It bridges the gap between high-level international targets and local implementation across 55 diverse nations.
This roadmap is designed to standardize healthcare access for families across the continent, directly influencing the availability of maternal care and childhood immunization services. Residents may see improved health infrastructure and standardized protocols for pregnancy and early childhood wellness.
The takeaway
The commitment to the Three Zeros marks a significant shift toward standardized, measurable health outcomes for mothers and children. By utilizing a common scorecard, member states can ensure accountability and track progress toward these vital humanitarian goals.
Further reading
For more information on global health trends, visit the Pregnancy section.
More information
View the Continental Roadmap download to understand the full strategy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Africa CDC.
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