Kenyan professor selected by WHO for maternal health task force
With over two decades of experience, Prof. Kaura has championed primary care integration to improve maternal health outcomes
Kenyan professor Doreen Kaura has been named one of the 25 global experts selected by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to develop global standards for maternal health.
A respected leader in the field, Prof. Kaura is the head of midwifery and neonatal health at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Nursing in South Africa.
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Her appointment to the WHO Task Team on Maternal Health signals a significant step in improving maternal health worldwide.
As a maternal health norms expert, Kaura's role involves contributing to the development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and practices that ensure safe, equitable, and high-quality maternal healthcare worldwide.
She will collaborate with other experts to review and synthesise global research, share insights from her extensive field experience, and recommend strategies to address critical maternal health challenges, including disparities in access to care and outcomes.
In a social media post, Prof. Kaura shared her enthusiasm for the new role: “It is an incredible honour to be entrusted with this responsibility. Being part of a global team shaping the future of maternal health is both humbling and empowering. It reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective efforts of the healthcare professionals and researchers who have supported and inspired me.”
“This appointment entails not only providing technical expertise but also championing the voices of women and healthcare providers to ensure that the norms reflect diverse contexts and needs," explained Kaura.
Stellenbosch University has praised her distinguished career, highlighting her contributions to gender equity in healthcare and advocating inclusive maternal and neonatal services.
With over two decades of experience, Prof. Kaura has championed primary care integration to improve maternal health outcomes.
“I hope to contribute insights on how technology, policy integration, and capacity building can be leveraged to address systemic barriers in maternal healthcare,” Prof. Kaura said, underscoring her commitment to advancing healthcare systems.
Her contributions include leading projects that address gender equity in healthcare, promoting disability-inclusive maternal and neonatal services, and advocating for the integration of primary care in maternal health to enhance continuity and coordination.
Prof. Kaura holds a PhD in health informatics and has studied in Kenya, South Africa, Finland, Austria, and Switzerland.
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