“CARMMA Plus is not just a campaign; it is a renewed call to action to strengthen our collective resolve in accelerating progress towards ending maternal and child mortality in Africa. We must ensure that every woman and child not only survives but thrives.”

H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development of the African Union Commission

The African Union Commission (AUC) is set to strengthen its commitment to maternal and child health with the re-launch of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), now known as CARMMA Plus. Following a decade of achievements under the initial CARMMA initiative, the enhanced campaign is being launched across African regions, starting with the East African Community (EAC) in March 2024 and moving to Southern Africa in November 2024.

A New Phase for Maternal and Child Health

CARMMA was first introduced in 2009 as a response to the continent’s high rates of pregnancy-related deaths. It promoted policy dialogue and mobilized political commitment to improve maternal, newborn, and child health. According to an evaluation conducted in 2019, the campaign led to significant improvements in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) indicators across African Union Member States​.

Now, with CARMMA Plus, the campaign aims to address the unfinished health agenda under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by building upon its earlier achievements. It will further align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the AUC, CARMMA Plus “introduces a people-centered approach, ensuring the inclusion of women, children, and adolescents in reproductive health frameworks across the continent”.​

East Africa to Lead the Charge

The first regional launch of CARMMA Plus took place alongside the Eastern Africa Regional Early Childhood Conference from March 11-14, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event, themed “Investing in Early Childhood: Building Human Capital Along Life Course,” convened government officials, development partners, and civil society to generate momentum for the campaign. This regional launch emphasizes improving RMNCAH outcomes across East Africa through increased investments, governance reforms, and stronger accountability mechanisms​.

In a statement, the African Union Commission’s Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Julio Rakotonirina, noted, “The importance of maternal and child health cannot be overstated. CARMMA Plus brings together political will and technical support to ensure that women, children, and adolescents have access to the health services they need to thrive.”

Southern Africa Prepares for November Launch

Following the East Africa launch, CARMMA Plus will be introduced in Southern Africa from November 4-8, 2024, in Harare, Zimbabwe. This event will focus on galvanizing the support of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries for RMNCAH initiatives and promoting domestic resource allocation to improve health outcomes by 2030​.

The Southern Africa launch aims to “strengthen coordination mechanisms between health ministries in the region and facilitate the sharing of best practices,” Dr. Lamboly Guy Noel Kumboneki, Head of the SADC Health Unit, emphasized the need for “collective action to reduce maternal mortality and address reproductive health challenges that persist in the region.”

A People-Centered Approach for Africa’s Health Future

CARMMA Plus has ambitious goals for the next decade. It seeks to broaden and strengthen accountability partnerships for RMNCAH and enhance leadership at the country level. Additionally, the campaign will improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes for adolescents by increasing access to information and services. This is essential, given the high rates of adolescent pregnancies and the barriers to accessing contraceptives that remain prevalent across Africa​.

As Southern Africa gears up for its regional launch, the upcoming November event promises to build on the successes of the initial CARMMA initiative. By harnessing political will and fostering technical and financial support, CARMMA Plus is poised to make significant strides in improving maternal and child health across the continent.

Looking Ahead

The African Union’s re-strengthened efforts with CARMMA Plus represent a pivotal moment in Africa’s healthcare agenda. The campaign not only renews the continent’s commitment to maternal and child health but also focuses on building sustainable, community-driven solutions to healthcare challenges.

“CARMMA Plus is not just about reducing maternal mortality; it’s about building healthier communities for all,” said Ms. Alleluia Delphine, CARMMA Plus Senior Programme Officer. “Through continued advocacy, resource mobilization, and collaboration, we can ensure a future where Africa’s women, children, and adolescents can lead healthy, fulfilling lives”.​

As the regional launches continue into 2024, the African Union Commission is set to create a lasting impact on maternal and child health—making strides towards achieving its 2030 health targets and ensuring that no woman or child is left behind.

CARMMA Plus: A Renewed Call to End Maternal and Child Mortality in Africa

The African Union (AU) Commission has re-launched the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) as CARMMA Plus, marking a new phase in the continent’s commitment to maternal and child health. Building on a decade of progress, the enhanced campaign will focus on improving Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) by promoting community-driven solutions, increasing investments, and strengthening accountability across African regions. The first regional launch took place in East Africa in March 2024, with Southern Africa preparing for its launch in November 2024.

CARMMA Plus aims to address unfinished health challenges from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on inclusive reproductive health frameworks, the campaign strives to ensure that women, children, and adolescents across Africa have access to the services they need to survive and thrive. The upcoming Southern Africa launch is set to galvanize further support for RMNCAH initiatives and improve health outcomes across the continent by 2030.