Every Woman Cared For, Every Newborn Given a Chance
Kenya has renewed its commitment to ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths through targeted investment, stronger emergency response and improved accountability across the health system.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale joined H.E. the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, for a high-level session on Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) at the inaugural Kenya Health Summit 2026. The session reviewed interventions being accelerated in 26 high-burden counties under the 90.90.80.80 coverage target.
The Government is investing approximately KSh12.5 billion to improve maternal and newborn survival. This includes KSh4 billion for delivery and essential newborn care, KSh1 billion for lifesaving maternal and newborn commodities, KSh2.5 billion for family-planning commodities and KSh5 billion annually to recruit 5,000 nurses.
The Social Health Authority has reimbursed more than KSh17 billion for maternal health services since its inception. At Pumwani Maternity Hospital, which handles between 15,000 and 18,000 deliveries annually, sustained investment in maternal healthcare has contributed to nearly zero maternal deaths over the past 18 months.
The session also highlighted the burden of sickle cell disease in 17 high-burden counties, where approximately 48,000 children are born with the condition annually. Interventions being expanded include newborn screening, early diagnosis and treatment, red cell exchange transfusion and the comprehensive sickle cell care model at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. SHA covers at least 11 red cell exchange transfusion procedures for eligible patients.
Through the six-month Rapid Results Initiative, KSh2 billion has been allocated to SHA for maternity and newborn care, more than 300 health workers have been trained, and maternal and newborn emergency simulation drills have been conducted across 29 counties. Newborn-care mentorship is also underway in 13 counties to strengthen the quality of care provided in health facilities.
Real-time Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response and Rapid Results Initiative dashboards are improving the reporting and monitoring of maternal and newborn outcomes. Monthly performance reviews are helping health teams identify gaps, respond promptly and prevent avoidable deaths.
Emergency referrals are also being strengthened through the SHA 922 Lifeline and the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, improving coordination for mothers and newborns who require urgent care.
The session brought together Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga; Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni; Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth; governors led by Council of Governors Vice-Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Council of Governors Health Committee Chairperson and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang; World Health Organization Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Kimambo; chief executives of national referral hospitals; senior government officials; United Nations agencies; development partners; and county representatives.
Kenya’s health reforms must ultimately be measured in lives saved—ensuring every woman receives dignified, quality care and every newborn has an equal opportunity to survive and thrive.