Kenya to receive Sh10 billion for maternal and newborn care
The support will strengthen the country’s reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programme and enhance access to life-saving care.
Kenya will receive Sh10.3 billion in funding over the next five years to improve maternal and newborn health, courtesy of the Beginnings Fund, a global philanthropic initiative.
The support will strengthen the country’s reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programme and enhance access to life-saving care.
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The Beginnings Fund is a $500 million (Sh64.6 billion) partnership among international philanthropic organisations working to assist 10 African nations. Its goal is to prevent stillbirths, reduce maternal and newborn deaths, and ensure that millions of women and babies receive quality healthcare.
The initiative aims to save 300,000 lives and reach 34 million women and children across the continent by 2030.
Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Ouma Oluga said the programme would focus on health facilities that record the highest maternal and newborn deaths, accounting for at least half of the country’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,” he said as reported by Business Daily.
The initiative will initially cover 15 counties, with an additional five to be selected based on government priorities and fairness considerations.
This approach is expected to channel resources where they are most needed, improving healthcare outcomes and efficiency in both public and private facilities.
PS Oluga noted that the programme also supports Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“Every maternal or newborn death is a preventable tragedy,” he said.
“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,” Oluga noted.
Maternal mortality in Kenya remains high. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, there were 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, far above the global target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 by 2030.
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