Nairobi: Kenya is intensifying its collaborative efforts to advance maternal and newborn health as part of its strategic push towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. The initiative remains a focal point in the country’s ongoing health-sector reforms.
According to Kenya News Agency, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized the government’s commitment during a meeting with Jhpiego President and CEO, Dr. Allyson Bear, and her delegation. The discussions centered on enhancing collaboration to further the government’s Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) agenda. Duale highlighted the necessity for a coordinated approach that aligns governmental and development partner efforts with national health priorities.
The meeting spotlighted several key areas requiring immediate attention, including maternal hemorrhage, healthcare worker skills, and access to suitable medical technologies. Duale noted that Jhpiego’s programs in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health would be synchronized with the EWENE agenda, initially focusing on 18 priority counties identified by the government.
Duale welcomed Jhpiego’s proposed support for newborn care in five counties, with the government steering the selection of counties and health facilities needing the most assistance. He also emphasized the integration of maternal and newborn interventions with existing HIV and family-planning programs to ensure continuity of care from pregnancy through childbirth.
A crucial aspect of the collaboration will be health-workforce development. Duale pointed out that healthcare workers will benefit from mentorship, virtual learning, and targeted capacity-building in line with Kenya’s national mentorship guidelines, aiming to enhance the quality of maternal and newborn services.
According to Duale, the partnership will also leverage digital health solutions to improve decision-making processes. The Ministry is developing a health-sector command center dashboard to consolidate critical indicators, monitor performance, identify gaps, and facilitate timely actions in maternal and newborn health, HIV, tuberculosis, and other key programs.
Jhpiego’s longstanding support for Kenya’s health sector spans 48 years, with its current portfolio comprising 13 projects and approximately KSh5.2 billion invested in 22 counties and over 1,800 health facilities in the past two years. The engagement also explored translating commitments from the Global Maternal Health Conference into actionable interventions.
As Kenya seeks sustainable healthcare financing and service delivery methods, technical partnerships will play an essential role in strengthening national implementation capacity. Duale reiterated that partnerships offering expertise, innovation, and resources must complement government efforts, bolster national systems, and yield tangible improvements for Kenyans.
The Ministry of Health and Jhpiego remain committed to addressing persistent gaps in maternal and newborn care, aiming to provide every woman and newborn with a better opportunity to survive and thrive.
