United Kingdom’s Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, has unveiled a substantial £5.83 million (Sh 976 million) funding initiative aimed at bolstering maternal and newborn health programs, benefiting not only Kenya but also other nations. Mitchell made this announcement during the 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development held in New York on Monday, April 29.
The funding, facilitated through Vodafone, will spearhead the implementation of “m-mama,” an innovative emergency transport system in Kenya. This system, leveraging mobile technology, will efficiently connect pregnant women with necessary care during pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring timely interventions.
Additionally, the funding will be directed towards empowering grassroots organizations, particularly those dedicated to supporting the most marginalized women, and enhancing the capacity of local midwifery services.
Mitchell emphasized the broader significance of sexual and reproductive health and rights, highlighting their pivotal role in fostering stronger and healthier communities. He articulated, “Our £5.83 million (Sh 976 million) investment in this new UK program will prioritize marginalized women, bolster local midwifery capabilities, and collaborate with governments to establish emergency transport systems for pregnant women. Together, we are forging a brighter future where every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive.”
At the session, the UK government, alongside the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), rallied global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to advancing efforts to eradicate preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Despite considerable progress over the past two decades, as evidenced by a 34% decline in maternal mortality, the journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has encountered hurdles. Maternal mortality reduction and investment in sexual and reproductive health rights have experienced a slowdown, underscoring the urgency for renewed focus and investment.
Alarming statistics reveal that one woman and nearly five newborns still succumb to preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications every two minutes, underscoring the imperative for sustained collective action.
