DG Health calls for urgent action to improve child and maternal outcomes
Mombasa, Kenya - - The Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, has called for urgent, data-driven action to accelerate progress in improving child and maternal health outcomes as Kenya moves towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the opening of the 25th Kenya Paediatric Association Annual Scientific Conference in Shanzu, Dr Amoth urged a shift from policy discussions to practical, field-level interventions to save lives.
He noted that despite progress, key indicators remain off track, with newborn mortality at 21 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality at 41 per 1,000. Persistent challenges such as child stunting and adolescent pregnancies continue to pose risks to the country’s development.
To address these gaps, he announced a renewed focus on a Rapid Results Initiative targeting high-burden counties, alongside implementation of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan to standardise quality of care.
Dr Amoth emphasised the need to close the implementation gap, calling on paediatric professionals to lead in strengthening quality care, mentorship, and clinical audits, particularly in underserved areas.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to working with stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and mothers.