UNFPA Kenya and the Britam Foundation have partnered to launch the Lea Salama Programme to reduce maternal and newborn deaths in Kwale and Nairobi counties.
The initiative is focused on expanding access to life-saving care for pregnant women and newborns, particularly in underserved rural areas and urban informal settlements where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge.
“This strategic partnership between UNFPA and the Britam Foundation reflects a shared commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Kenya,” said Dr Pilar de la Corte Molina. “The Britam Foundation has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing health equity and community impact, and brings a proven ‘prevention-first’ model that is critical to closing gaps in the quality of maternal and newborn health care.”
Despite notable progress in maternal health services, Kenya continues to face an urgent crisis. An estimated 15 mothers and 92 newborns die each day from preventable causes. The national maternal mortality ratio stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, with counties such as Kwale recording even higher rates of 431 per 100,000. While Nairobi reports comparatively better outcomes, stark inequalities persist in low-income, densely populated communities where timely and quality care remains out of reach. Persistent gaps, particularly in emergency obstetric and newborn services, continue to cost lives.
Under the initiative, 20 high-volume health facilities across Kwale and Nairobi will be upgraded and equipped to deliver quality care. In addition, healthcare workers will receive specialised training and mentorship in emergency obstetric and newborn care, alongside the introduction of innovative technologies such as obstetric point-of-care ultrasound to improve early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.
Community engagement forms a cornerstone of the initiative. Targeted efforts will empower community health promoters through enhanced training and the provision of essential tools, ensuring stronger linkages between communities and health facilities.
“Partnering with UNFPA to advance maternal and newborn health reflects the very heart of Britam Foundation’s purpose of enriching lives, restoring dignity, and investing in healthier futures. When a mother survives childbirth, and a newborn thrives, we are not just saving lives; we are strengthening families, empowering communities, and shaping a more resilient society for generations to come,” said Catherine Karita.
Designed as a scalable model, the Lea Salama Programme holds strong potential for expansion to other counties, offering a practical blueprint for how public-private partnerships can accelerate progress in maternal and newborn health across Kenya.UNFPA Kenya and the Britam Foundation have partnered to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Kwale and Nairobi counties.
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