The government has renewed its commitment to ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths through strengthened partnerships, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announcing renewed collaboration with Amref Health Africa to improve access to quality maternal and child healthcare across Kenya.
Speaking during consultations with an Amref Health Africa delegation led by Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Duale said reducing maternal and newborn mortality remains a national priority as the country accelerates implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, through which Amref is supporting six of Kenya’s 26 Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) counties.
The programme aims to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths by strengthening the delivery of quality maternal, newborn, and child health services, particularly in high-burden areas.
The Cabinet Secretary said the Ministry of Health and Amref would also strengthen the use of facility-based research to generate evidence for policy decisions and targeted interventions that improve maternal and newborn health outcomes nationwide.
Beyond maternal health, the two parties reviewed progress in strengthening Kenya’s health system through strategic investments in emergency and critical care services. Duale commended Amref for supporting the installation of 22 medical oxygen generation plants across 12 underserved counties, describing the initiative as a major boost to emergency preparedness and access to lifesaving oxygen.
The cabinet secretary emphasized that sustainable health improvements begin at the community level, highlighting the critical role played by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in delivering preventive and promotive healthcare services.
He praised Amref’s continued investment in training and equipping CHPs, noting that stronger community health systems are essential to expanding access to essential healthcare, especially for mothers, newborns, and vulnerable populations.
Duale recognized Amref’s contribution to strengthening Kenya’s health workforce through Amref International University (AMIU), whose programmes in health sciences education, research, and professional training continue to produce skilled healthcare professionals to support the country’s growing healthcare needs.
The discussions formed part of broader efforts to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Amref in building a resilient, people-centered, and evidence-driven health system capable of delivering quality healthcare while advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director of Health Sector Coordination Dr. Ahmed Albush, Amref International University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joachim Osur, and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Amref Health Africa.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
