African First Ladies Rally in Accra to Push a New Era in Maternal and Child Health

Accra became the centre of a major continental movement this week as several African First Ladies convened to renew their commitment to protecting mothers and infants from preventable infections. The gathering, held as a special side event to ICASA 2025, focused on accelerating Africa’s push toward the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B transmission from mothers to their children.

The meeting brought together influential figures whose advocacy has shaped health policy across the region. Those present included H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who also chairs the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD); Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto; H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow of The Gambia; Liberia’s First Lady, H.E. Madam Kartumu Yarta Boakai; and former South African First Lady, H.E. Tobeka Stacie Madiba Zuma.

Rather than focusing only on speeches or ceremonial appearances, the session highlighted the personal resolve of the leaders. They reflected on their role as advocates who witness the struggles of women and children across the continent and emphasized the responsibility of transforming those lived realities into better services and stronger national commitments.

One of the speakers captured the spirit of the meeting, stressing that progress depends on more than high-level platforms. “Our influence must translate into real change for the mother in a rural community, for the newborn who depends on our decisions, and for the families who simply need access to care,” she said.

Development organizations, including UNAIDS, OAFLAD, the Society for AIDS in Africa, and NAP+ Ghana, were applauded for working behind the scenes to provide expertise, data, and coordination. Their contributions, participants noted, ensure that advocacy efforts are connected to practical strategies and nationwide implementation.

Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, who hosted the gathering, closed the session with a reminder of what is at stake. She emphasized that no child should begin life burdened by an infection that could have been avoided and no woman should be denied the healthcare and respect required to safeguard her own wellbeing and that of her child.

The Accra meeting ended with a renewed continental pledge: to strengthen health systems, increase access to testing and treatment, and ensure that African mothers and their babies have a healthier and more dignified future.