Your birthday shouldn't be the most dangerous day of your life
In too many countries, your birthday is still the most dangerous day of your life. Despite decades of progress, preventable maternal and newborn deaths remain a persistent challenge, raising an urgent question: what will it take to bend the curve?
This conversation will explore maternal and newborn survival through the lens of primary health care and stronger health systems. As governments across Africa set health priorities and navigate constrained resources, how can efforts to improve care for mothers and newborns strengthen the wider systems they depend on rather than create parallel solutions?
The discussion will also examine the role philanthropy can play. Where can philanthropic capital add the most value alongside government priorities? How can funders support approaches that build lasting capacity, improve the quality of care, and reach mothers and newborns where they are most vulnerable?
Karoline M. Linde, CEO of Laerdal Global Health, will open the conversation with Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, Director General of ECSA, bringing together perspectives from global health innovation and African health systems leadership. Together with participants, they will explore what practical collaboration between governments, philanthropy, and health partners could look like, and what it will take to make childbirth and the first days of life safer.
What to expect
A focused, conversational discussion grounded in the realities of strengthening primary health care. The opening exchange will set the stage before inviting participants into a broader conversation about government priorities, philanthropy's role, and the choices that can accelerate progress for mothers and newborns.
Expect an exchange that makes space for different perspectives and practical experience, with an emphasis on the questions health systems and their partners need to grapple with now.
Who this is for
This session is for funders, health practitioners, government and policy leaders, social entrepreneurs, and others working to strengthen primary health care and improve maternal and newborn survival, particularly across African health systems.
What you will get out of it
A clearer understanding of how maternal and newborn survival fits within the broader primary health care agenda
Perspectives on the priorities and constraints facing African governments and health systems
Practical insights into where philanthropy can contribute to stronger, more sustainable health systems
A deeper exploration of how governments, funders, and health partners can align around shared goals
Connections with others working to make pregnancy, childbirth, and the first days of life safer
Featuring
Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, Director General, ECSA
Karoline M. Linde, CEO, Laerdal Global Health