Kenya is among the 10 African counties targeted in a new commitment of nearly $600 million for maternal and newborn survival by several global philanthropic foundations.
- •This follows the launch of Beginnings Fund, a new philanthropic initiative by coalition of global philanthropies committed to accelerating maternal and newborn survival across Africa.
- •The joint commitment was enabled by a major grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity that unlocked matched funding from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Delta Philanthropies, The ELMA Foundation, Gates Foundation, and others.
- •Newborn deaths in the first month of life are the single biggest driver of mortality in Sub- Saharan Africa, where 70% of maternal deaths also occur.
“The continent is making remarkable strides, but achieving lasting change requires collaborative action. I would like to express my gratitude to the African governments, national organizations and experts, and our founding investors who are part of this unique collaborative effort to drive lasting change across Africa,” said Alice Kang’ethe, CEO of the Beginnings Fund.
“In the earliest days of the UAE, our nation faced high maternal and newborn mortality rates. This journey taught us the profound importance of quality healthcare that is available to all, at every stage of life, and this knowledge continues to guide us today,” Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs in the UAE said.
Over the next five years, the Fund will partner with Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to make targeted investments in the products, people, and systems required to improve and scale maternal and newborn health.
