Kenya launches ambitious plan to save mothers and newborns from death
Billions in funding and the hiring of thousands of nurses
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
In a move that reflects its commitment to improvement Health sectorThe Kenyan government has announced the launch of an ambitious national plan to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths during the period from 2026 to 2028, under the slogan “Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere” (EWENE).
Maternal or neonatal deaths undermine stability
The government stressed that maternal and neonatal deaths are not only a human tragedy, but also undermine family stability and weaken the social and economic structure of the state, emphasizing that protecting maternal and child health is a direct investment in the country’s future.
Kenya launches urgent 6-month initiative
The plan includes an urgent six-month initiative, starting immediately and running until November 2026, aimed at achieving rapid and tangible results in improving maternal and newborn health services, with a focus on priority interventions.
Allocating 4 billion Kenyan shillings to the Social Health Authority
In support of these efforts, the Ministry of Finance announced the allocation of an additional 4 billion Kenyan shillings to the Social Health Authority to cover health insurance premiums for pregnant women, ensuring they receive safe and dignified healthcare.
An additional 1 billion Kenyan shillings will be directed to the Medical Supplies Agency to purchase vital supplies for maternal and newborn health, along with the allocation of 2.5 billion shillings to support family planning services.
Recruiting and deploying 5000 nurses
Regarding strengthening medical personnel, the government intends to recruit and deploy 5,000 nurses and midwives across the country, with the aim of supporting primary healthcare services and expanding access to high-quality health services for mothers and newborns.
Through this plan, Kenya seeks to break the cycle of poverty associated with the deterioration of health services, and to achieve tangible improvement in public health indicators, thus ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for future generations.
