PM Nsengiyumva: Protecting maternal health is essential for Africa’s sustainable development

By prince Boris Cyubahiro.

Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, has emphasized that no country can claim sustainable development while women continue to die from childbirth-related complications, underlining that maternal health is a fundamental pillar of genuine progress.

Speaking on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Nsengiyumva participated in high-level discussions on accelerating the reduction of maternal mortality across Africa. These talks preceded the official opening of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government.

“No country can claim to have achieved sustainable development while women are still dying giving life. A mother’s survival after childbirth is a clear measure of a strong health system, effective public services, and the value a nation places on its citizens,” he said.

The Prime Minister arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday, February 13, representing President Paul Kagame at the AU summit. The two-day meeting carries the theme: “Ensuring Sustainable Access to Water and Effective Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

During the summit, African leaders are expected to discuss strategies to strengthen water resource management, improve sanitation services, and accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063, the AU’s blueprint for Africa’s sustainable development.

The discussions will also address peace and security challenges, institutional reforms within the African Union, and strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Dr. Nsengiyumva is also scheduled to attend the second Italy–Africa Summit, where leaders will review progress under the Mattei Plan, Italy’s framework for political and economic cooperation with African countries. The plan includes commitments such as over Rwf 71 billion in support to Rwanda for climate change initiatives and other sustainable development projects.

By highlighting the link between maternal health and national development, Dr. Nsengiyumva reinforced Rwanda’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality and strengthening health systems, both of which are essential for achieving long-term socio-economic progress across the continent.