Learn more about The Global Strategy for Women`s and Children`s Health here.
Norway has for the past year worked closely with the Office of the Secretary-General in the development of a global strategy for women’s and children’s health. We have been instrumental in mobilizing support in the lead up to the global summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
"The Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health is a true global effort,” said Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. "Never have so many come together to save the lives of women and children. Women and children are at the heart of the Millennium Development Goals and success on the health Millennium Goals will help drive success on all the MDGs."
The Norwegian commitment consists of a yearly increase of NOK 75 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, making the total Norwegian contribution NOK 450 million per year. This is equivalent to an increase of 20%, and it means that Norway will donate nearly NOK 1.4 billion to the Fund over the next three years.
Leaders from developing countries referred to significant substance when they described progress in their respective countries, and how they intend to work ahead to reach the Millennium Development Goals. Many of the donors confirmed that they would prioritize women and children.
Both donor countries and leaders from the developing world described the weak results with in MDGs 4 and 5 as discrimination against women, and that more has to be done to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women.
The launch of the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health is only a first step. The follow-up of the strategy will be crucial. Norway will continue its close collaboration with the Secretary-General and his office, and has already organized a meeting to discuss the way forward and next steps.
A summary of commitments can be found here.