Message from WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi
On International Women’s Day today, the World Health Organization joins governments, partners and communities across the African Region in recognizing the contributions of women and girls, and reaffirming our commitment to advancing their health, rights and well-being.
This year’s theme, Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, calls for renewed urgency and purpose to address inequities, and ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life.
Women and girls represent more than half of Africa’s population, playing diverse and critical roles in the functioning of families, communities and health systems. They constitute nearly 70% of the global health and care workforce, delivering essential services in hospitals, clinics and communities.
Yet, their own access to health services, protection and opportunity remains unequal and, in many settings, insufficient.
The African Region carries the heaviest burden of maternal mortality worldwide. An estimated 70% of global maternal deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, despite most being preventable through access to quality antenatal care, skilled attendance at birth and timely emergency services. Gaps in access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, continue to place women and girls at unnecessary risk.
The other challenge is that violence against women remains widespread. One in three women experiences physical or sexual violence during her lifetime, with serious and lasting consequences for health, safety and well-being. Harmful practices also persist. More than 200 million women and girls worldwide are living with the consequences of female genital mutilation, most of them in Africa. These practices undermine health, limit opportunity and violate fundamental human rights.
Women also remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making. Across Africa, women hold about one quarter of parliamentary seats, limiting their influence in shaping policies that affect health, equity and development.
Despite these challenges, important progress is being made. Countries across the Region are expanding access to maternal and reproductive health services, strengthening legal and policy frameworks, and investing in more inclusive health systems. Women are contributing as health workers, scientists, policymakers and leaders, helping to shape stronger and more responsive health systems.
Universal health coverage cannot be achieved unless health systems are designed to meet the needs of women and girls across the life course. Ensuring access to essential health services, including maternal care, sexual and reproductive health services, and services for survivors of gender-based violence, is fundamental to improving health outcomes, and reducing preventable deaths.
Advancing the health and rights of women and girls is essential to the future of Africa. It contributes directly to healthier families, more resilient communities and stronger health systems.
On this International Women’s Day, WHO reaffirms its commitment to working with Member States and partners to ensure that every woman and every girl can access quality health services, live free from violence, and fully realize her right to health.