Kenya continues to face a significant challenge in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, with current figures remaining alarmingly high despite ongoing government efforts. The country’s maternal mortality rate stands at 594 deaths per 100,000 live births, well above the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 per 100,000 by 2030. This persistent gap underscores the urgent need for a multisectoral and coordinated response.
Calls for intensified collaboration were made during the opening of a three-day co-creation workshop on maternal and neonatal health in Nairobi. The forum aims to foster the development of innovative, evidence-based strategies to address preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. It has brought together stakeholders from across the health sector, including government representatives, civil society organizations, global health agencies, and implementing partners.
The focus of the workshop is to reimagine maternal and neonatal care through joint planning and resource mobilization. Participants are exploring new ways to scale up interventions such as skilled birth attendance, antenatal and postnatal care, emergency obstetric services, and neonatal resuscitation. Addressing systemic challenges like inequitable access to care, understaffing, and supply chain inefficiencies is also a priority.
It was noted that while Kenya has made commendable progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure and services, maternal and newborn deaths remain disproportionately high, particularly in underserved and rural regions. Factors such as delayed access to quality care, inadequate community health support, and sociocultural barriers continue to contribute to negative outcomes.
The need for strengthened and sustainable partnerships was emphasized as a pathway to close these gaps. Greater alignment between national and county governments, donors, NGOs, and the private sector is seen as critical in harmonizing efforts and avoiding duplication. Pooling resources and aligning strategies are expected to accelerate progress toward national and global maternal health targets.
Emphasis was placed on innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making to enhance the effectiveness of maternal and neonatal programs. The workshop also highlights the importance of engaging communities and empowering women to make informed reproductive health choices.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths, acknowledging that the health of mothers and babies is a fundamental indicator of a nation’s development and resilience. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform policies and programming at both national and sub-national levels, paving the way for a more responsive and inclusive maternal and neonatal health system in Kenya.
