Representing H.E President William Ruto, I presided over the official opening of the 2026 International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) in Nairobi, reaffirming our shared responsibility to end maternal and newborn mortality in Kenya and globally.
Under the theme, 'Moving Forward, Together,' the event brought together over 1,800 participants from 87 countries; a collective commitment that no woman should die giving life and every newborn must have the chance to survive and thrive.
I highlighted key global frameworks advancing progress in maternal and newborn health including the Maputo Plan of Action, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP).
Through our Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, Kenya continues to make steady progress, expanding community-level services, strengthening primary healthcare, improving referral networks and increasing antenatal care and immunisation coverage.
Kenya has also finalized the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026–2028, a global partnership led by WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA.
To accelerate impact, we are implementing a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) built on six pillars: sustainable domestic financing, strong partnerships, high-impact interventions, a resilient health workforce, robust supply chains and digital transformation.
As host, Kenya is using this conference to showcase progress, address persistent gaps and drive renewed commitments to maternal and newborn health.
The conference brought together distinguished leaders, including Ministers of Health such as Hon. Douglas Tendai Mombeshora of Zimbabwe and Dr. Dereje Duguma of Ethiopia, alongside Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Dr Jean Kaseya, and Ministry’s Family Health Director Dr. Bashir Isaak, among other dignitaries.
Join us for an exclusive free webinar that moves beyond basics to a modern, integrated Approach to a Newborn with Jaundice on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM EAT.
https://t.co/71vyhapKtz
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#IMNHC23 ended well. Health community from the globe Aligned, Accelerating and saving lives Together.
Thanks to all who made it a success and thanks for those delegates and partners who engaged with us at @NEST360org booth and @Hatch4Newborns Technical marketplace.
“15 MINUTES”
(The Guy On Green)
- He lost his mother at a young age
- His father lost his job 3 months after he lost his wife
- He sold pure water on the streets of Lagos
- He was rejected by many clubs but today is one of BEST players in the world and it started with 15 MINUTES!
#OdogwuTales
I hope to show the world that no dream is too big and no disability can stop you from your dreams. I encourage people to look beyond your disability and allow yourself to dream.Wishing the world a successful International Day for People with Disabilities.
📣 The #Roadto2023 starts NOW.
Visit the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference site for essential information about #IMNHC2023 and to plan your participation.
👉https://t.co/b13fqjz2iy
Reminder! Guidance for the #IMNHC2023 technical marketplace is now available.
We want to hear your best ideas for showcasing promising maternal and newborn health interventions and innovations. Learn more and get started today (deadline Oct 11): https://t.co/QvVJ4TEFWU