For the first time in history, we have the opportunity to see a world where every pregnancy is healthy and wanted, where every birth is safe, where every child can survive beyond their 5th birthday, and where all women, children and adolescents are empowered to thrive and realize their full potential.

Great progress has already been achieved. In the past 15 years, maternal mortality reduced by 47% and child mortality declined by 49%. However, we still have a lot of work to do.

Call on the President of South Africa to prioritize the health and wellbeing of women, children and young people. 

Millions of women, children and adolescents don't have access to the life-saving information, services and supplies they need. 6.3 million children under age 5 die each year, mostly from diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea that are entirely preventable. 289,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth every year. And, 60% of maternal deaths, 53% of child deaths and 45% of newborn deaths occur in fragile states and humanitarian settings

On the same day as the Global Citizen Festival, the United Nations Secretary-General and other world leaders will launch an updated Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health in support of the Every Woman Every Child partnership to achieve the Global Goals and end preventable maternal, child and adolescent deaths by 2030 and ensure their wellbeing.

Already, Japan, Norway, Canada and the US, as well as many other countries, have publicly supported this renewed Global Strategy. Now, we are calling on South African President Jacob Zuma to follow suit.

South Africa’s commitment would set a strong precedent for other countries to follow and ensure strong implementation of the Global Goals. First, as the 2015 Chair of the Group of 77, South Africa holds the highest political position among the largest organization of 77 developing countries in the United Nations. Second, South Africa is one of 5 major emerging economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, India and China. Commonly known as the “BRICS” countries, they collectively represent over 3 billion people, or 42% of the world’s population!

Over 27,000 global citizens have e-mailed the South African government to prioritize maternal, child and adolescent health. Now, we need to ensure that the President hears this call from global citizens far and wide.

Tweet at South African President Jacob Zuma, and call on him to attend the 2015 Global Citizen Festival and pledge South Africa’s commitment to the updated Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.

As a bonus, take action today and be entered to win a pair of VIP tickets to the Global Citizen Festival.

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