William Ruto Calls for Urgent Action to End Preventable Maternal Deaths

William Ruto has called for urgent and firm action to eliminate preventable maternal deaths, saying that no woman should die while giving birth in the modern era.

Speaking at a high-level side event on maternal mortality reduction during the African Union Summit, President Ruto said maternal and neonatal deaths reflect the strength of a country’s health system and its ability to protect vulnerable citizens. He said such deaths reveal weaknesses in service delivery and a failure to safeguard women and children.

The President framed healthcare spending as a strategic investment rather than a cost, describing this approach as the “Accra Reset”. He said improving maternal health requires sustained commitment, stronger systems and accountability.

Kenya has begun restructuring its health financing through the Social Health Authority, which is intended to expand prepaid access to maternal services. According to President Ruto, the scheme has already secured full maternal care coverage for 50,000 vulnerable adolescent mothers, with a further 38,000 expected to enrol. 

The reforms provide antenatal care, safe delivery and post-natal services, with the aim of removing financial barriers to childbirth. The government is also implementing a Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative in 26 high-burden counties. The programme includes distributing essential medical equipment to frontline facilities and strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care. 

In addition, 721 frontline health workers have been trained, while thousands of community health promoters and assistants have been deployed to expand access at community level. These teams operate within primary care networks that link local facilities to specialised referral centres.

President Ruto said recent reductions in global health financing, including cuts affecting the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, risk slowing progress in family planning and maternal health. In response, Kenya is increasing domestic procurement and has introduced a requirement that 40 percent of reproductive health commodities be sourced locally to stabilise supply and reduce reliance on external funding.

Efforts are also under way to improve health data systems. The government is conducting a Reproductive Age Mortality Survey to identify maternal deaths and their causes, with plans to digitise the findings under a National Health Intelligence Platform. These initiatives form part of the National Health Compact 2026–2030, which aims to align planning, budgeting and accountability across the health sector.

President Ruto said reducing maternal mortality is essential to national development, linking women’s health to economic productivity and social stability.