Around the world, progress in the health and rights of women, children and adolescents has stalled — and in some places, it’s reversing. Years of steady improvement have been disrupted by conflict, climate change, economic instability and the lingering effects of the pandemic. With global aid budgets under pressure, investing in what works has never been more paramount.
The good news is that we know what works. Targeted investments in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N) consistently deliver results beyond the health sector. They strengthen economies, build resilient communities and advance gender equality. Canada now has a unique opportunity to leverage the final months of its G7 presidency to put these critical issues and opportunities squarely in the global spotlight.
As outlined in CanWaCH’s upcoming position paper, Delivering the Promise: Equity, Rights and Resilience in RMNCAH-N, five key actions stand out as the most effective path forward.
These actions also form the foundation of our #FiveToThrive campaign, which calls on Canada to use its G7 platform to drive lasting progress in global health.
Investments in RMNCAH-N pay exceptional social and economic dividends. They reduce the burden on health systems, increase workforce participation and create the foundation for stable, prosperous societies. Countries such as Ethiopia and Bangladesh have shown that scaling up proven approaches — like skilled birth attendance and community health programs — can cut maternal deaths by more than 70 per cent while strengthening the broader system.
Focusing on women, adolescents and children in fragile and conflict-affected contexts is not just a humanitarian imperative — it is a strategic choice. Restoring health services in these settings can have the most transformative impact, helping to stabilize communities and prevent future crises. Stronger data systems ensure resources go where they are needed most and can be tracked for impact.
When communities drive their own health priorities, activities and outcomes are more sustainable and effective. Supporting women and youth in leadership roles, investing in inclusive governance and aligning funding with national strategies builds systems that last well beyond the lifespan of any single project. This approach reflects the principles of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remain underfunded despite their critical importance to well-being and high return on investment. Ensuring access to contraception, safe abortion and comprehensive sexuality education saves lives, reduces health care costs and increases educational and economic opportunities. These benefits are particularly significant for women and girls, who often face the steepest barriers.
Gender equality accelerates progress across every sector. Embedding it into all areas of development assistance — health, education, climate action and economic growth — ensures that no one is left behind. For Canada, this approach not only aligns with its policy commitments but also maximizes the reach and sustainability of every dollar invested.
These priorities are backed by decades of global evidence and by the lived experiences of people, communities and countries that have made remarkable gains despite significant challenges. They offer a clear path for Canada to build on its legacy as a steadfast champion for global health and gender equality, delivering results for the world and advancing our shared goals for health, rights and resilience.
Stay tuned for more!
Want to read more about how these priorities translate into concrete recommendations for Canada’s path forward? Read our new position paper, Delivering the Promise: Equity, Rights and Resilience in RMNCAH-N.
