Kenya launches $7.5 bn maternal and newborn health plan on World Population Day

World Population Day, observed each 11 July since 1990, was created by the United Nations to raise awareness of global population challenges and their links to development and the environment.

On the occasion of the 2024 observance, Kenya unveiled the "Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere" Acceleration Plan 2026–2028, a national effort aimed at ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths. The plan sets targets of 90 % antenatal care attendance, 90 % skilled deliveries, and 80 % post‑natal care within two days, as well as timely access to emergency obstetric services. The government pledged KSh 4 bn to expand maternal health coverage, KSh 1 bn for essential commodities, and KSh 2.5 bn for family‑planning supplies and the recruitment of 5,000 nurses, totaling roughly $7.5 bn. The initiative seeks to address the three‑delay model, especially the delay in receiving quality care within facilities, where only 37 % of delivery centres currently provide all basic emergency services.