REACH Network

Latest news from the REACH Network of African-led research institutions, Ministries of Health, policy advocates, and implementation partners working together to reduce preventable child mortality through evidence-based, equitable and scalable solutions. 

 

A message from REACH Network Co-chair, Professor Samba Sow

Dear colleagues, friends, partners,

As we embark on Phase 2 of the REACH Network – a journey I am honoured and proud to co-lead alongside partners across Africa and beyond – our shared mission is clear: to save children's lives, strengthen health systems, and ensure equitable health access for communities who need it most.

When we started out on the REACH journey, we asked ourselves a critical question: how can we ensure that no child dies from preventable causes in places where health services struggle to reach? Our answer was rooted in collaboration and innovation – using simple yet powerful interventions like mass administration of azithromycin to tackle child mortality.

Phase 1 taught us a lot. We reached over a million children, built evidence on reducing mortality, and fostered powerful partnerships that bridged research, policy, and action.

It also taught us one fundamental lesson: we cannot succeed alone.

As we move into Phase 2, the need for global collaboration and unity in health has never been clearer. We face challenges that transcend borders – antimicrobial resistance, supply chain disruption, impacts resulting from a changing climate, and resource constraints. Yet, the power of collaboration has the potential to transform these challenges into opportunities for action.

With REACH Phase 2, we are expanding our vision. Not only are we continuing the life-saving work of Phase 1, we are also deepening our commitment to integrating the REACH intervention into broader health programs and national strategies, building sustainable, resilient health systems driven by local communities themselves.

The path ahead will need us to be more united than ever. This is a call to action for governments, researchers, health workers, donors, and communities: let us break down barriers, learn from each other, and work shoulder-to-shoulder to ensure every child survives and thrives.

Together, we can achieve extraordinary impact. Thank you for joining us in this next chapter.

Onward, together.

From the REACH Network blog
24/03/2025
SARMAAN II planning to treat 18 million children in 11 states in Nigeria
SARMAAN II azithromycin MDA, 2024-27 In Africa’s most populous country, and in states where childhood mortality rates remain a pressing concern, REACH teams are working hard to turn the tide. The SARMAAN program, in collaboration with its many implementing and technical partners, is planning to deliver life-saving interventions to children…
Read more...
07/03/2025
REACH Network Co-chair receives Mali’s highest award in the field of health
The REACH Network is proud to recognise and celebrate its Co-chair, Professor Samba Sow, on the occasion of his elevation to the rank of Commander of the Malian Order of Merit, the country’s highest distinction in the field of health. This prestigious honour recognizes Professor Sow’s unwavering commitment and dedication…
Read more...
07/03/2025
Reaching every child
Multi-intervention mass drug administration in Sikasso, Mali In January 2025, REACH Mali, in collaboration with the Malian Ministry of Health and Social Development, embarked on a groundbreaking mass drug administration (MDA) in the Sikasso region, aiming to address the pressing child health crisis in Mali. Over two weeks, an extraordinary…
Read more...
05/03/2025
AVENIR II treats more than 2.5 million children in second round of MDA in Niger
AVENIR II Azithromycin MDA, second cycle, February 2025 The AVENIR project continues its mission to improve child health in Niger through the mass distribution of azithromycin. After a highly successful first phase, the second phase kicked off with the first round of distribution in Dosso, Tahoua, and Maradi. The MDA…
Read more...
24/01/2025
REACH Network Co-chairs’ impassioned plea for greater health access and equity
At the heart of Africa’s healthcare transformation, two prominent leaders are working hard to bring child survival to the forefront of the discussion. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Professor Samba Sow, Director-General of the Center for Vaccine Development in Mali, are Co-chairs…
Read more...
REACH Network
Unsubscribe   |   Manage your subscription   |   View online