Kenya Hosts Global Maternal and Newborn Health Conference Amidst Persistent Crisis
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya is preparing to host the International Maternal Newborn Child Health (IMNH) Conference from March 23-26, bringing together approximately 1,800 delegates from 40 to 60 countries, primarily from Africa.1 This significant gathering occurs as the nation continues to grapple with unacceptably high rates of maternal and newborn deaths, despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare outcomes.
The Scale of the Challenge
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Kenya sees between 2,500 and 5,000 maternal deaths annually, alongside approximately 30,000 newborn deaths each year – roughly 92 newborns lost each day.2 While the maternal mortality ratio has seen some improvement, reaching around 200 per 100,000 live births, experts emphasize that these numbers remain alarmingly high.2
Conference Goals and Focus
The IMNH conference, the second edition following its debut in Cape Town in 2023, aims to shape global and regional strategies for maternal and newborn care.2 Dr. Edward Serem, Head of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at the MOH, highlighted the conference as a crucial platform for learning and identifying effective interventions.2
Addressing the Root Causes
Experts point to the “three-delay model” as a key framework for understanding maternal and newborn deaths. These delays include a delay in deciding to seek care, a delay in reaching a health facility, and a delay in receiving quality care once at the facility.2 Postpartum hemorrhage is identified as a leading cause of maternal deaths, often stemming from factors related to the mother’s health, delivery complications, or injuries sustained during childbirth.2
Government Initiatives and Investments
The Kenyan government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the health system through several initiatives. These include improving emergency training for healthcare workers, expanding access to essential equipment like oxygen and CPAP machines for newborns, enhancing referral systems, and implementing digital health platforms in 28 counties to improve real-time data tracking.2 A Reproductive Age Mortality Survey is underway, with results expected in May, to provide more accurate data on maternal deaths.2 More than 100,000 community health promoters are also playing a vital role in linking communities to care and collecting health data.2 A Sh1 billion investment has been made to reduce maternal and child deaths.3
The EWENE Strategy
Kenya is rolling out the “Every Woman, Every Newborn (EWENE) Strategy (2026-2030), aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on equity, quality, and accountability.4 The Ministry of Health has also been lauded for its leadership in strengthening the country’s health systems.4
Looking Ahead
As Kenya prepares to host the IMNH conference, there is a strong call for action, and accountability. The aim is to accelerate progress, improve the quality of care, and ultimately save the lives of mothers and newborns.2
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