By Muhammad Amaan
The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has supported the participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs), young people, and representatives of women’s groups, ensuring that the voices of key constituencies were meaningfully represented in national discussions on population, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, elderly health and nutrition (RMNCAEH+N).
The AHBN made the call while participating at the World Population Day 2026 commemoration, convened by the National Population Commission (NPC) alongside government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners.
The event was held under the theme: “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.”
Demonstrating its commitment to inclusive and people-centred advocacy, the AHBN stated that the support directly advances Goal 3 of the Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan (CAAP).
The Goal 3 seeks to strengthen the meaningful engagement and participation of civil society organisations, young people, and other relevant constituencies in the RMNCAEH+N Technical Working Groups (TWGs) under the Health Sector Renewal Plan and Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).
“By facilitating the participation of these groups, AHBN reinforced the importance of inclusive dialogue and citizen engagement in shaping equitable and responsive health policies.”
AHBN’s participation also aligns with Strengthening Accountability for Women’s Health, which promotes inclusive governance, accountability, and equitable access to quality health services for women and girls.
It added that supporting the active participation of women, young people, and marginalised groups in national policy dialogues contributes to more representative decision-making and strengthens accountability mechanisms that drive improved health outcomes.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the AHBN was represented at the event by Budget and Communications Specialist, Sadiq Malami and Jennifer Joshua, a Media Associate at the organisation.
