Accelerating the pace towards attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is top on the agenda of many nations. From 20th to 22nd September 2010, world leaders will meet in New York at the Millennium Summit to discuss the progress made on MDGs. 2015 is the target year by which to achieve these globally agreed goals to reduce extreme poverty. With five years left to 2015, the countdown is on. The progress made by most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, on the MDGs, especially those related to health, has been extremely slow. In Kenya, approximately 8000 women die annually due to pregnancy related complications. The latest Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS 2008) shows an increase in the maternal mortality rate. Therefore the attainment of MDG 4 and 5 on child and maternal health respectively, appears unlikely, unless specific efforts are made towards these goals. It is with this in mind that the “National Road Map for Accelerating Maternal and Newborn Health in Kenya” was launched on 25th August, 2010 in Nairobi.

The goal of the National Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Road Map is to accelerate the reduction of the maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Its specific objectives are to strengthen data management and utilization; to increase the availability, accessibility and utilization of skilled attendance in pregnancy, childbirth and post partum and to strengthen the capacity of individuals and communities to improve maternal and newborn health. Dr. Shiphrah Kuria, the acting Head of the Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) gave an outline of the Road Map, including the approaches to be utilised to accelerate  the attainment of the MDGs, especially MDG 5. Some of the approaches include; strengthening monitoring and evaluation in MNH, improving accessibility to services and advocacy for increased resources for MNH.

The remarks of selected representatives from partner organizations including UNFPA, WHO and USAID reflected the need for Kenya to translate policy into implementation. Key highlights of these remarks include the fact that Kenya being a signatory to a number of international conventions such as the Abuja Declaration needs to monitor the progress of the implementation of these policies. Partners support country led plans to ensure sustainable impact in the area of maternal and newborn health.

The Minister of Public Health and Sanitation, Hon. Beth Mugo was the chief guest at this launch. She acknowledged that maternal deaths have great impact on families, at times leading to disintegration and affecting children’s health. This also contributes to poverty. Her speech also gave key areas that Kenya is investing in so as to improve maternal health. These include involving men as partners in maternal health and promoting sustainable country led policies on maternal health.

GTZ Health Sector Programme supports the Kenyan government in the areas of reproductive health and health financing. GTZ-HSP is finalizing a policy brief and article on the costs for Kenya to achieve MDG 5. This will augment the strategies outlined in the National Road Map for MNH by highlighting the resource implications for Kenya in accelerating the attainment of the Millennium Development goals. With five years to go, the time is now to influence the delivery of quality care for Kenya’s women and children.