Addis Ababa—The future of Africa is being shaped today. Not in boardrooms or parliaments, but before birth, and in the earliest years of a child’s life. By 2050, two out of every five children born globally will be African. Yet today, up to two thirds of children in sub-Saharan Africa may never reach their full developmental potential, limiting their opportunities and undermining the continent’s future health, prosperity and economic growth.
To address the challenge, African ministers of health meeting for the Seventy-sixth session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa today endorsed a new regional strategy to give every child the best possible start in life
The first years of life lay the groundwork for lifelong health, learning and well-being. Yet millions of children across the region still lack the conditions they need to thrive: good nutrition, quality health services, responsive caregiving, opportunities for play and early learning, caregiver support and well-being, and safe, nurturing environments. The Regional Strategy on Advancing Early Childhood Development Outcomes in the WHO African Region (2026–2032) reflects a shared commitment by countries to strengthen systems and scale up services and support for children, families and communities from the very beginning of life, so that every child can survive, thrive and reach their full potential.
Investing in young children is not only a moral imperative, but also one of the smartest choices countries can make. Evidence shows that every US$ 1 invested in early childhood development can generate returns of between US$ 6 and US$ 17, through better health, stronger learning outcomes and increased productivity. As African countries work to accelerate sustainable development, giving children the best start in life offers a powerful opportunity to build healthier societies and stronger economies, and a more prosperous future.
“Every child born in Africa carries the promise of our future. That future is shaped in the womb, in homes and communities where children receive the care, nutrition, protection and opportunities they need to thrive, supported by responsive health and social systems. By supporting children from the earliest years of life, countries are building stronger families, healthier communities and a more prosperous continent,” said Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The strategy calls for coordinated action across health, nutrition, social protection, water and sanitation, education, finance and other sectors, recognizing that no single sector can meet the needs of children alone. At its heart is a commitment to supporting parents, caregivers and communities, who play the most important role in helping children survive, grow, learn and thrive
The strategy encourages countries to strengthen developmental monitoring, expand support for children with developmental delays or disabilities, enhance services for parents and caregivers, and improve national data systems to better track progress and guide future investments in young children
WHO will continue to support Member States through technical guidance, capacity-building, policy support and stronger partnerships as countries turn the strategy into action. By acting early and working together, the Region can help millions more children grow, learn and thrive
