Nairobi is preparing to host the International Maternal Newborn Child Health (IMNH) Conference from March 23-26, a pivotal gathering as Kenya confronts persistently high rates of maternal and newborn mortality. Despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and quality, the country continues to grapple with a crisis that claims the lives of an estimated 2,500 to 5,000 mothers and nearly 30,000 newborns annually. The conference, the second edition following its debut in Cape Town in 2023, aims to accelerate progress and forge new strategies to address these preventable deaths, bringing together approximately 1,800 delegates from 40 to 60 countries, primarily from Africa.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that, even with some improvements, Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio remains around 200 deaths per 100,000 live births. This translates to a significant loss of life and a stark reminder that access to quality maternal and newborn care remains unevenly distributed across the country. The conference isn’t simply an academic exercise; it’s a critical opportunity for Kenya to both learn from global best practices and showcase its own advancements in maternal and child health.
Dr. Edward Serem, Head of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at the Ministry of Health (MOH), emphasized the importance of the event. “This is the largest scientific conference of its kind in our country,” he said. “It gives us a platform to learn from each other and identify what works.” The MOH is concurrently conducting a Reproductive Age Mortality Survey, with results expected in May, to provide more accurate and up-to-date data on maternal deaths and inform targeted interventions.
The Three Delays: A Framework for Understanding the Crisis
Experts point to a well-established framework known as the “three-delay model” to understand the root causes of these tragic outcomes. The first delay involves a woman’s decision to seek care, often hampered by factors like lack of financial resources for transportation, limited awareness of danger signs during pregnancy, or a lack of support from family members. The second delay concerns access to care, where poor roads, long distances to health facilities, and inadequate transportation infrastructure impede timely arrival. Finally, the third delay relates to the quality of care received once a woman reaches a health facility, encompassing issues like staffing shortages, insufficient medical supplies, and inadequate infrastructure.
Dr. Louise Nyanjao, who leads maternal health programming at the Ministry of Health, highlighted postpartum hemorrhage – excessive bleeding during or after childbirth – as a leading cause of maternal deaths. This can stem from pre-existing health conditions, complications during delivery, or injuries sustained during the birthing process. Difficult or prolonged labor significantly increases the risk of severe bleeding and life-threatening complications.
Strengthening the System: Government Initiatives and Challenges
The Kenyan government is actively working to strengthen the healthcare system on multiple fronts. Efforts include improving emergency training for healthcare workers, expanding access to life-saving equipment like oxygen and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for newborns, and enhancing referral systems to ensure timely access to specialized care. Digital health platforms are being rolled out in 28 counties to improve real-time data tracking and facilitate more effective resource allocation. A network of over 100,000 community health promoters is likewise playing a crucial role in linking communities to care, supporting referrals, and collecting vital health data.
However, significant challenges remain. Newborn deaths, driven largely by birth asphyxia, prematurity, and infections, continue to be a major concern, with approximately 21 deaths per 1,000 live births. The goal is to reduce this number to 12 by 2030, but progress is hampered by shortages of essential equipment, particularly in high-burden facilities. Dr. Juliet Omoha, Head of Newborn and Child Health at the MOH, noted that Kenya currently loses 92 babies every day, roughly four per hour. “Looking at the country’s progress over the past 30 years, and especially the last decade, the numbers are slowly declining, but not as fast as hoped,” she stated.
Uneven Burden and County-Level Implementation
The burden of maternal and newborn deaths is not evenly distributed across Kenya. Counties such as Turkana, Baringo, Migori, Kilifi, and parts of North Eastern Kenya experience disproportionately high rates, while others, like Nyeri and Murang’a, demonstrate that progress is achievable with focused investment and effective strategies. With healthcare largely devolved to the county level, successful implementation relies heavily on county leadership and resource allocation.
While the national government provides policy direction and technical guidance, the responsibility for delivering care rests with the counties. Strengthening accountability systems at the county level, improving staffing levels, and increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure are critical priorities. “For quality care, you must invest in skills,” Dr. Serem emphasized. The country is currently rolling out the “Every Woman, Every Newborn (EWENE) Strategy (2026-2030), aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on equity, quality, and accountability.
Looking Ahead: Action and Accountability
The IMNH conference represents more than just a dialogue; it’s a call for accelerated action and improved accountability. Experts agree that Kenya possesses the knowledge and solutions to address the maternal and newborn health crisis. The challenge now lies in translating these solutions into tangible results. The conference is expected to foster honest conversations about what has worked, what has failed, and how countries can learn from one another to accelerate progress. There is also a growing call for the media to move beyond statistics and amplify the human stories behind the crisis, giving voice to affected families and holding leaders accountable.
The Ministry of Health is prioritizing a “mother and baby” approach, ensuring both receive comprehensive care together. Efforts are also underway to stabilize vaccine supply through stronger collaboration with global partners. Despite gains in skilled birth attendance, which currently stands at approximately 89 percent, recent trends suggest that progress is slowing, and in some cases, reversing. Alarmingly, a significant number of deaths occur within health facilities, raising serious concerns about the quality of care being provided.
The results of the Reproductive Age Mortality Survey, expected in May, will provide crucial data to refine strategies and target interventions more effectively. As Kenya prepares to host the world, the hope is that the IMNH conference will serve as a catalyst for lasting change, ultimately saving lives and improving the health and well-being of mothers and newborns across the country.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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