Kenya is set to receive Sh10.3 billion over the next five years to improve maternal and newborn health, thanks to support from the Beginnings Fund, a global philanthropic initiative.
The funding will bolster the country’s reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programme, enhancing access to life-saving care across health facilities.
The Beginnings Fund, a $500 million (Sh64.6 billion) partnership among international philanthropic organisations, aims to support 10 African countries. Its primary objectives are to prevent stillbirths, reduce maternal and newborn deaths, and ensure millions of women and babies receive quality healthcare.
By 2030, the initiative targets saving 300,000 lives and reaching 34 million women and children across the continent.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga highlighted that the programme will initially target health facilities with the highest maternal and newborn death rates, which account for about half of Kenya’s maternal and perinatal losses.
“Priority actions will include scaling up evidence-based interventions, equipping health facilities with essential supplies and equipment, strengthening the health workforce through training, improving infrastructure and referral systems, and ensuring a reliable blood supply,” PS Oluga said, according to Business Daily.
The initiative will first cover 15 counties, with an additional five counties to be selected based on government priorities and fairness considerations. This targeted approach is expected to direct resources where they are most needed, improving healthcare outcomes and efficiency in both public and private facilities.
PS Oluga also emphasized that the programme aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. “Every maternal or newborn death is a preventable tragedy. This partnership will help us scale up proven interventions, address critical gaps in our healthcare system, and ensure that women and children, regardless of where they live, have access to life-saving care,” he said.
Maternal mortality in Kenya remains alarmingly high. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, there were 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly above the global target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 by 2030.
Written By Rodney Mbua
