United Nations Population Fund and Britam Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare in Kenya, targeting vulnerable communities in Kwale County and Nairobi.
The partnership will see the expansion of the Lea Salama Programme, a flagship initiative designed to deliver life-saving care to pregnant women and newborns, particularly in underserved rural areas and urban informal settlements where access to healthcare remains limited.
Despite progress in strengthening maternal health services, Kenya continues to grapple with high rates of preventable deaths. An estimated 15 mothers and 92 newborns die daily from preventable causes, with the national maternal mortality ratio standing at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births.
In Kwale County, the situation is more severe, with a maternal mortality rate of 431 per 100,000 live births. While Nairobi reports comparatively better outcomes, stark inequalities persist in low-income, densely populated areas.
The new initiative seeks to address these gaps by strengthening county health systems and increasing demand for essential maternal and newborn health services. A total of 20 high-volume health facilities across Kwale and Nairobi will be upgraded and equipped to provide quality care.
Healthcare workers will also receive specialized training and mentorship in emergency obstetric and newborn care.
In addition, the programme will introduce innovative technologies, including obstetric point-of-care ultrasound, to improve early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.
Community engagement will play a central role, with targeted efforts to empower community health promoters through training and provision of essential tools.
Dr. Pilar de la Corte Molina, Deputy Representative and Officer in Charge at UNFP Kenya, described the partnership as a critical step toward improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
“This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity. The Britam Foundation brings a strong prevention-first model that is essential in closing existing gaps in care,” she said.
Catherine Karita, Executive Director of Britam Foundation, emphasized the broader societal impact of the initiative.
“Investing in maternal and newborn health is about more than saving lives. It is about strengthening families, empowering communities, and building a resilient society for future generations,” she said.
The Lea Salama Programme is designed as a scalable model, with potential for expansion to other counties. Stakeholders say it offers a practical blueprint for how public-private partnerships can accelerate progress in reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Kenya.
