Finance ministers and global health leaders have made a strong economic case for increasing investment in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), arguing that funding these services is not only a public health priority but also one of the most effective long-term economic investments governments can make. The message was highlighted during a high-level discussion organised by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) in collaboration with the African Union.
The discussion shifted the focus from the traditional moral argument for improving maternal and child health to a financial perspective, with leaders emphasizing that inadequate investment results in higher healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and slower economic growth. Participants presented evidence showing that investments in maternal and child health generate substantial long-term economic returns by improving population health, strengthening human capital, and supporting sustainable development.
Experts highlighted several studies demonstrating the economic benefits of these investments. Estimates presented during the event showed that spending on family planning and maternal health can generate returns many times greater than the initial investment, while broader investments in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health contribute to improved workforce participation, higher productivity, and long-term demographic and economic gains.
The event also showcased examples from countries including Ethiopia and Tanzania, where increased domestic financing for maternal and child health has helped strengthen healthcare systems while reducing dependence on external aid. These experiences demonstrate how sustained national investment can improve health outcomes and build more resilient healthcare systems.
Participants stressed that many low- and middle-income countries face growing financial pressures due to declining international development assistance, climate-related challenges, and ongoing economic uncertainty. Against this backdrop, strengthening domestic health financing was identified as essential to protecting women, children, and adolescents while supporting broader economic resilience.
The discussions concluded with a call for governments to treat maternal and child health as a strategic investment rather than a social expense. By increasing funding for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services, countries can improve health outcomes, promote economic growth, strengthen human capital, and build more resilient societies for future generations.
