Kenya is taking strategic steps to eliminate maternal and perinatal deaths completely over the next ten years through a joint initiative by the National and County governments. To support this vision, the country has also embraced a interim target for 2030 and is appealing for international investments to provide county hospitals with essential equipment and skilled medical personnel.
At a side event organized by the Council of Governors (COG) during the 79th World Health Assembly, a Kenyan delegation—joined by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and key development partners—highlighted recent successes
Launched two years ago, the Maternal and Perinatal Deaths Surveillance Response (MPDSR) framework operates under a “No blame, No shame” mantra. County heads now take direct responsibility by chairing weekly meetings with health workers to evaluate cases, review successes, and address systemic gaps.
To support these efforts, the Council of Governors has adopted a digital dashboard that tracks daily maternal and newborn mortality data across all counties.
Health CS Duale announced the upcoming launch of a national open phone line. This accountability drive will allow citizens to directly report the deaths of mothers or newborns during childbirth.
President William Ruto is expected to launch a national drive next week outlining the country’s comprehensive strategy to accelerate the reduction of these deaths
While international organizations have pledged their support, Kenya is pushing to have this issue formally adopted for discussion at the next World Health Assembly, noting that high maternal and newborn mortality remains a widespread challenge across many African nations. Emphasizing the urgency, COG Vice Chairman and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki called for a spirited, unified push from both levels of government to ensure no more lives are lost.
