![African Descent pregnant women](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1500x1500/public/2024-09/finalbuildingtransnationalsolidaritypromosocial.jpg?itok=llp1GyRg)
Organizers
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), United Nations Foundation, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Conference on Population and Development, Universal Access Project, and the Missions to the United Nations in New York of Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, Mexico, and Suriname.
Context
No matter where they are in the world, women and girls of African descent are bearing the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality. Thirty years since the adoption of the ICPD Program of Action, significant progress has been made in advancing sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice globally. However, women and girls of African descent continue to face disproportionate challenges.
Join the Universal Access Project at the United Nations Foundation; the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on September 18 in New York City or online for a discussion on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on bridging the gap on maternal health for women and girls of African descent, including the launch of a new coalition on building transnational solidarity and targeted action for equity in health.
Objetives and outcomes
Objectives:
- To build transnational solidarity for equity in health care.
- To advocate for the strengthening of health care systems with a focus on Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage.
- To mobilize support for intersectional approaches to improve maternal health for women and girls of African descent.
- To highlight best practices and successful interventions.
Expected outcomes:
- To launch of the “Global Coalition for Transnational Solidarity and Action to Bridge the Gap in Maternal Health for Girls and Women of African Descent.”
- To promote PAHO’s Strategy and Plan of Action on Ethnicity and Health, as well as culturally safe birth tools.
- To elevate commitments to achieving zero preventable maternal deaths for girls and women of African descent.
Participation
- DATE: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
- WHERE: Orange Café, UNFPA (605 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10158) or virtual option will be available
- TIME: 10:00am - 12:00pm (EDT, Washington)
Agenda
Moment
Welcoming remarks
UNFPA
Opening remarks from co-organizers
Diene Keita, UNFPA
Dilly Severin, UAP/UNF
Gerry Eijkemans, Director, Department of Social and Environmental Determinants for Health Equity, PAHO
Panel 1: Health Equity and Ethnicity
Carmen Correa, Pro Mujer
Emilie Rodriguez, Ashe Birthing Services/The Bridge
Manuela Mosquera, Partera Vital (video message)
Moderator:
June Soomer, PFFPAD
Panel 2: Bridging the GAP in Quality Maternal Health for Women and Girls of African Descent
Monica Simpson, SisterSong
Siannie Palmer, Midwife-Obstetric nurse
Linda Goler Blount, Black Women's Health Imperative
Karline Wilson-Mitchell, Toronto Metropolitan University
Moderator:
Isha Isatu Sesay, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador
Announcements of the Global Coalition for Building Transnational Solidarity and Action to Bridge the Gap in Afrodescendant Maternal Health
Supporting statement(s) from co-sponsoring Member States
Closing remarks
Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health (video message)