In fragile and conflict-affected settings, disruptions to essential health services can have severe consequences for women, newborns, and children, who are typically among the first to experience the impact of weakened health systems. As humanitarian needs escalate and available funding and resources remain constrained, health systems in these contexts face mounting strain, further impeding sustained access to essential care. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action among governments, regional institutions, development partners and philanthropic actors working together to protect essential services and support country-led responses.

As part of the Doha Health Initiative for the Global South (DHI) 2026 Annual Convening, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs and the Gates Foundation, in partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development and in collaboration with Qatar University, will convene a high-level panel discussion to bring country-led technical discussions to a wider policy audience. The session will examine the leadership, policy, and financing approaches needed to sustain essential health services in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Key questions will include: How can countries protect maternal, newborn, and child health services during periods of conflict and instability? What financing models best suit fragile settings, where needs are high and resources are often unpredictable? How can international and philanthropic support strengthen, rather than fragment, national health systems? What role can organizations play in supporting continuity of care and cross-border cooperation? And how can partnerships be designed around women’s needs and local priorities to improve health outcomes across the Global South?