A new public-private partnership to reduce maternal and
newborn deaths in Elgeyo Marakwet and Kericho Counties has officially been
launched.
The initiative brings together B. Braun, a global medical
and pharmaceutical company with operations in Kenya, the County Governments of
Elgeyo Marakwet and Kericho, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), implementing on behalf of the German government through
its develoPPP program.
This new initiative aims to address critical gaps in
maternal and newborn healthcare delivery in Kenya, where thousands of women and
infants still lose their lives each year due to preventable complications
during childbirth.
The collaboration will strengthen health systems in 31
health facilities in the two counties.
It will provide
training for healthcare providers, supply essential medical equipment, improve
emergency referrals, and raise awareness in the community about maternal and
neonatal health.
During the launch, Alena Kern, the Deputy Head of
Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, praised the initiative.
“With a total
investment of €1.26 million, co-financed by B. Braun and the German Government
through the developpp programme, this project is more than just a development
initiative - it is a promise,” Kern said.
“A promise to mothers and newborns in Elgeyo-Marakwet and
Kericho that their health matters, and that they are not alone. Together, we
are building a future where no woman dies while giving life, and no child is
lost at birth due to preventable causes.”
The partnership will equip frontline healthcare workers with
skills in safe delivery and postnatal care, provide modern medical equipment to
the health facilities, and strengthen referral and emergency response systems.
In addition, the initiative will engage communities to raise
awareness on the importance of early antenatal care and skilled birth
attendance.
These interventions aim to reduce preventable deaths and
ensure safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for mothers and their newborns.
The project will directly benefit an estimated 100,000
people, including pregnant women, newborns, and frontline health workers in the
two counties.
Kerstin Heimel-Ventura, Director International Development
Cooperation at B.Braun, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable
healthcare solutions, noting,
“Data shows that investments in stronger health systems and
quality of care can reduce maternal and newborn deaths and still births by
half,” she said.
“As a company, we are proud to contribute to improving the
health of women and babies in Elgeyo Marakwet and Kericho counties, supporting
an effort that directly aligns with SDG 3.”
County government officials present welcomed the project,
citing its alignment with local health priorities. Wisley Kipyegon Rotich,
Governor Elgeyo Marakwet County noted,
“Our current statistics in maternal and newborn health are
not good. That is why we developed the Modern Health Facilities Strategy. One
of our goals is to establish a centre of excellence in maternal and newborn
health in every ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“We are happy that this programme is coming in to plug and
support our counties in strengthening our health systems. I am confident that
by the end of this program, our counties will be a benchmark in maternal and
newborn care for the rest of the country.”
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Eric Kipkoech Mutai, Governor of
Kericho County, the County Director of Health Services, Dr. Betty Langat,
affirmed the County’s commitment to the initiative.
“To improve maternal
and neonatal health in Kericho, we need access, quality, sustainability, and
resources. This is a multifaceted journey—and we need everyone on board,” he
said.
This collaboration is a significant step forward in the
collective effort to ensure that no woman dies while giving birth and that no
child is lost to preventable causes.
By combining the
strengths of the public and private sectors, it sends a clear message that
maternal and newborn health and dignity are important.
