Kenya to gain from US $600M fund to cut maternal deaths

KENYA – Kenya is set to benefit from a new US $600 million initiative aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths across Africa.

Launched last week by a coalition of global philanthropies, the Beginnings Fund will support up to ten African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – through targeted health investments.

The fund’s goal is to save more than 300,000 lives and improve care for 34 million women and newborns by 2030.

It will work closely with governments, local organisations, and health experts to strengthen healthcare systems and make lifesaving care available where it’s needed most.

The initiative was unveiled in Abu Dhabi on April 20 by Alice Kang’ethe, CEO of the Beginnings Fund, who praised African governments for their leadership in improving maternal and child health.

“The continent is making remarkable progress,” she said, “but achieving lasting change needs strong partnerships.”

The US $600 million investment includes US $100 million in direct grants, supported by major donors like the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Delta Philanthropies, The ELMA Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and others.

Over the next five years, the fund will help strengthen health workforces, supply facilities with proven low-cost tools, and improve data and referral systems.

These efforts are aimed at preventing avoidable deaths in hospitals and clinics where most maternal and newborn complications occur.

According to the fund’s statement, nearly all maternal and newborn deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa can be prevented with access to trained health workers and essential care.

The fund aims to change that by scaling up evidence-based solutions that work.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the UAE’s own experience overcoming high maternal death rates showed the importance of quality care for all. “This partnership is about building a healthier, more hopeful future,” he said.

Supporters of the fund stressed the urgency of the mission. “It is tragic that mothers and babies are still dying from preventable causes,” said Sir Chris Hohn of CIFF. “But we can end this tragedy if we act now.”

Other leaders, including Delta Philanthropies CEO Tanya Masiyiwa and ELMA Philanthropies President Robyn Calder, echoed the call for more African partners and funders to join the effort.

Without urgent action, over 1.3 million women and babies will continue to die every year from causes that are preventable.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, summed it up: “We have the tools to save lives. Now we need to make sure they reach the people who need them most.”