Global efforts to tackle maternal and child mortality have received a boost, with the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) securing $806 million in new funding commitments from governments and partners.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings, marking the start of a new investment round under the GFF’s TRANSFORM 2030 strategy, aimed at scaling life-saving health interventions.
Hosted by the World Bank Group, the GFF supports countries in strengthening health systems and expanding access to essential services for women, children and adolescents.
The latest pledges represent more than 80 per cent of its $1 billion fundraising target by 2026, with further contributions expected.
Under its 2026–2030 plan, the GFF aims to expand from 36 to 50 countries and mobilise additional financing from the World Bank, development partners and domestic resources to improve health outcomes.
Major contributors include Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and several philanthropic organisations including the Gates Foundation.
Funding will also support a $250 million programme to improve access to essential health supplies and a $15 million innovation initiative to scale maternal health interventions across 10 countries.
Global leaders say sustained investment is key to strengthening health systems and improving outcomes for women and children.
The development presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its health system and reduce high maternal and child mortality rates, which account for nearly 20 per cent of global maternal deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.
