CS Duale Opens IMNHC 2026 in Nairobi, Calls for Urgent Action on Maternal and Newborn Deaths
Nairobi, Kenya - - Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale opened the 2026 International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) in Nairobi on behalf of President Dr William Ruto, calling for urgent and coordinated global action to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Speaking during the opening session held under the theme “Moving Forward. Together,” the Cabinet Secretary described the conference as a platform for renewed commitment, stressing that no woman should die while giving life and every newborn deserves the chance to survive and thrive.
He highlighted existing global frameworks, including the Maputo Plan of Action, the International Conference on Population and Development, and the Every Newborn Action Plan, noting that the priority now is to accelerate implementation. He further underscored commitments made at the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly, linking maternal and newborn health to broader goals of equity, gender equality, and sustainable development.
On Kenya’s progress, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building an inclusive health system under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, ensuring equitable access to quality care across the country. He cited gains in expanded maternal and child health services, increased antenatal care uptake, higher skilled birth attendance, and improved immunisation coverage.
A key driver of these reforms, he noted, is the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has registered over 30 million Kenyans, helping reduce financial barriers and expand access to essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Despite these gains, the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that maternal mortality, newborn deaths, and stillbirths remain unacceptably high, calling for accelerated action and warning against complacency.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising reproductive and adolescent health, alongside targeted interventions to address persistent gaps.
Kenya’s commitment to accelerating progress is reflected in the adoption of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026–2028 and the rollout of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), anchored on six priorities: sustainable financing, partnerships, high-impact interventions, workforce strengthening, commodity security, and digital transformation.
He underscored the importance of accountability and results, noting that measurable action is key to saving lives.
The conference brought together global and regional leaders, including Ministers of Health among them Douglas Tendai Mombeshora of Zimbabwe and Dr Dereje Duguma of Ethiopia, alongside Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Dr Jean Kaseya, and Ministry’s Family Health Director Dr Bashir Issak, among other dignitaries.