Kenya must enhance partnerships to lower maternal, neonatal mortality, says PS Oluga 

The government has called for stronger, sustainable partnerships and collaboration to improve maternal and neonatal health services across the country, citing the need to reduce preventable deaths.

Speaking during the official launch of a three-day co-creation workshop on maternal and neonatal health in Nairobi, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga noted that despite significant efforts by the government, maternal mortality in Kenya remains unacceptably high.

“I know when it comes to deaths, we should not compare ourselves, but we are doing horribly bad compared to our neighbours,” he remarked.

According to the 2024 USAID report on Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths, Kenya’s maternal mortality rate stands at 594 deaths per 100,000 live births far from the SDG target of 70 per 100,000 by 2030.

Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving this target and emphasized the urgency of coordinated action among partners.

The co-creation workshop has brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Amref Health Africa, UNITAID, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative to explore innovative approaches to strengthening maternal and neonatal care in Kenya.