NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 2 – United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Britam Foundation have signed a partnership to improve access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare in underserved communities.
The collaboration will focus on scaling the Lea Salama Programme in Kwale County and Nairobi, targeting vulnerable populations in rural areas and informal settlements.
The initiative comes amid persistent maternal and newborn health challenges, with an estimated 15 mothers and 92 newborns dying daily from preventable causes in Kenya. The national maternal mortality ratio stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, with higher rates recorded in counties such as Kwale.
Under the programme, 20 high-volume health facilities will be upgraded and equipped to provide improved maternal and newborn care, alongside training and mentorship for healthcare workers in emergency obstetric services.
The partnership will also support the adoption of technologies such as point-of-care ultrasound to enhance early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.
In addition, community health promoters will be trained and equipped to drive awareness and increase uptake of maternal health services at the grassroots level.
The initiative reflects a broader push toward public-private partnerships to address healthcare gaps, with stakeholders positioning the model for potential expansion to other counties.
