IMNHC 2026 will officially begin with an opening plenary today, featuring remarks from high-level speakers, a panel discussion from senior government leaders, and an honest conversation that will bring us back to frontline health worker realities and the experience of care for parents.

The livestream will be available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

The session will be guided by Mercy Juma and will feature distinguished speakers, including:

• H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
• Ms. Mary Muthoni, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ministry of Health, Kenya
• Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kenya

The plenary will also include two engaging panel discussions:

Panel 1: Prioritizing What Matters – Making Choices in an Era of Fiscal Change
Moderated by Ms. Julia Bunting (UNFPA), with panelists:

• Dr. Patrick Amoth, Ministry of Health, Kenya
• H.E. Hon. Dr. Douglas Tendai Mombeshora, Zimbabwe
• H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma Gemeda, Ethiopia
• Dr. Mariatou Tala Jallow, Africa CDC

Panel 2: Lived Experiences – Frontline and Parent Voices
Moderated by Mercy Juma, featuring:

• Nafisa Jiddawi, WAJAMAMA
• Koiwah Koi-Larbi, Action on Pre-eclampsia, Ghana