Kenya's National Commitment
Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) is a global initiative adopted by Kenya, led by the Ministry of Health and partners, to accelerate the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths.
Approximately 5,000 maternal deaths per year from preventable pregnancy-related causes
NMR of 21 per 1,000 live births — approximately 42,000 neonatal deaths per year
Approximately 30,400 stillbirths annually — nearly half during labour
“Every newborn deserves not only the right to survive, but the opportunity to thrive.”H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H.
Most deaths happen not because we lack knowledge, but because three preventable delays steal precious time.
"I didn't know the bleeding was dangerous."
Community engagement campaigns. Male engagement programmes. Mass media reaching 10+ million Kenyans with the five danger signs.
"The hospital was too far and I didnt have transport. "
Ambulance rehabilitation and GPS tracking. County toll-free emergency call centres. Response time targets: <60 min urban, <90 min rural.
"The nurse was alone. There was no blood. No medicine."
900 health workers trained in EmONC across 26 counties. 500 trained in comprehensive newborn care. Zero stockout commitment. Pre-positioned PPH bundles including carbetocin, TXA and calibrated VD drapes. Monthly emergency drills in 260 skills corners. Blood transfusion services strengthened.
Ten strong pillars holding every mother and baby safe — from policy to the last mile.
These are not numbers on a chart. They are mothers coming home. Babies crying for milk. Families staying whole.
| Indicator | Baseline | 2028 Target | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality Ratio | 355 / 100k | ≤140 / 100k | |
| Neonatal Mortality Rate | 21 / 1,000 | ≤12 / 1,000 | |
| Stillbirth Rate | 19 / 1,000 | ≤12 / 1,000 | |
| Skilled Birth Attendance | 89% | 100% | |
| 4th ANC Coverage | 66% | ≥90% | |
| Oxytocin Stockouts | 40% | 0% | |
| Facilities Meeting BEmONC | 37% | 80% |
EWENE coordinates counties, communities, and facilities to remove delays in maternal and newborn care.
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