This post originally appeared on the WHO’s website here. Reposted with permission.

On the eve of the launch of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) at the United Nations, WHO and partners hosted a special event to celebrate The BMJ Special Supplement ‘Towards a Global Strategy’ – 15 papers that are the foundation of the new Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. The papers, developed by a large and diverse range of global experts, pull together the latest evidence of ‘what works’ to improve the health and save the lives of women, children and adolescents, particularly in low-resource settings.

Dr Trish Groves, Editor of The BMJ, reflected on the importance of this special supplement. The series’ strength, she said, is that it was developed by experts who have practical experience in implementation – including senior policy makers from countries who have first hand experience translating evidence into live-saving programmes and policies adapted to their specific context.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Cross, a co-host of the event, welcomed The BMJ series, and reaffirmed Belgium’s strong commitment to the new Global Strategy and to the wider SDG agenda. He stressed the integrated nature of development, and the importance of good health as both a fundamental right, and the key to unlocking inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Ministers and senior representatives from India, Kenya, and Malawi all emphasized that political will and leadership are central tenants of success for improving the health of their women, children and adolescents. One of the 15 papers published in The BMJ Special Supplement was developed by representatives from over a dozen countries and highlighted that improving health is not only about medical interventions – it is also about strengthening governance at all levels, and ensuring that programmes and policies are effectively implemented and monitored.

The new Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030) will be launched on Saturday 26 September amidst the UN Summit for the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals.