The Ministry of Health (MoH) has unveiled the National Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Steering Committee, a major initiative aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Kenya.
Commitment to Safe Motherhood
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that no woman should lose her life while giving birth, and no newborn should die from preventable causes.
“Every woman matters. Every newborn matters. And every preventable death must be prevented,” Duale said. “Together, with unity of purpose and unwavering resolve, we will ensure that every woman and every newborn survives and thrives everywhere in Kenya.”
Committee Mandate
The steering committee will hold routine, action-oriented meetings to review maternal and perinatal deaths and ensure corrective measures are implemented immediately.
Key responsibilities include:
- Addressing gaps in emergency response and referral systems
- Ensuring availability of blood, medical commodities, and staffing
- Driving policy reforms and financing prioritization
- Coordinating action across facility, sub-county, and county levels
Voices from Leadership
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni stressed that motherhood must be safeguarded, noting that preventable deaths are not misfortunes but failures of systems that can be corrected.
“Behind every statistic is a name, a face, a family. Motherhood must never be a near-death experience,” she said.
Operational Framework
CS Duale highlighted that the committee’s work will be operationalized through the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) acceleration plan, to be launched nationally.
The move follows alarming maternal mortality rates recorded in 20 counties in 2025, prompting urgent intervention to reverse the trend.
Conclusion
The launch of the MPDSR Steering Committee signals Kenya’s renewed commitment to maternal and child health. By strengthening accountability, improving systems, and prioritizing resources, the government aims to ensure that every woman and newborn not only survives but thrives.
