Investing in our future

The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health calls for the transformative change necessary to shape a more prosperous, sustainable future for children and adolescents. To implement the Strategy and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, strategic shifts are necessary in maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health programming. It is no longer sufficient to save lives: health and other sectors must contribute to improving their health and well-being, and unlocking their full potential. An approach to health and development that supports a continuum of care throughout life is therefore essential to promote survival, enhance well-being and protect children and adolescents against risks and disease. Programmes to improve their health and well-being must be universal, while identifying those at risk or who are vulnerable and giving them extra support and protection required. This Framework outlines the rationale, highlights the areas for action and calls for a shift in redesigning child and adolescent programming. It calls for whole of government and whole of society approach to life course programming to achieve a shared goal and integrated coordinated response to ensuring health and well-being of children and adolescents.
The Framework addresses a broad range of stakeholders: policy-makers and programme managers in ministries of health, nutrition, education, child protection, social protection, and other sectors, at national and local level. It also addresses health professionals, civil-society groups, development partners, professional associations, academic institutions and funding initiatives, both global and national.