UNFPA, Britam Foundation Partner to Tackle Maternal, Newborn Deaths in Kenya

UNFPA and the Britam Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Kwale County and Nairobi County.

The partnership will scale the Lea Salama Programme, a targeted initiative designed to expand access to life-saving care for pregnant women and newborns, particularly in underserved rural areas and urban informal settlements where health inequities remain acute.

Kenya continues to face a significant maternal and newborn health burden, with an estimated 15 mothers and 92 newborns dying daily from preventable causes. The country’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, with Kwale recording a higher rate of 431. While Nairobi reports relatively better outcomes, disparities persist in low-income, densely populated communities where access to timely and quality care remains limited.

The new collaboration seeks to address these gaps by strengthening county health systems while also increasing demand for essential maternal and newborn health services. Under the programme, 20 high-volume health facilities across the two counties will be upgraded and equipped to deliver improved care. Healthcare workers will also receive specialized training and mentorship in emergency obstetric and newborn care.

In addition, the initiative will scale up the use of innovative technologies, including point-of-care obstetric ultrasound, to support early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.

Community engagement is expected to play a central role, with efforts focused on equipping community health promoters with tools and training to enhance outreach and awareness at the grassroots level.

Dr. Pilar de la Corte Molina, Deputy Representative and Officer in Charge at UNFPA Kenya, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity.

“This collaboration brings together a strong prevention-first approach that is critical to closing gaps in the quality of maternal and newborn health care,” she said.

Catherine Karita, Executive Director of Britam Foundation, noted that the initiative aligns with the organisation’s mission to improve lives and build resilient communities.

“When a mother survives childbirth and a newborn thrives, we are strengthening families and shaping a healthier future for generations,” she said.

The Lea Salama Programme is designed as a scalable model with potential for expansion to other counties, offering a blueprint for how public-private partnerships can accelerate progress in maternal and newborn health across Kenya.