Accra:The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Beginnings Fund, has initiated a five-year, $90 million investment to enhance efforts in preventing maternal and newborn deaths and strengthening health services across Ethiopia.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba emphasized that the partnership with a coalition of global philanthropic foundations, investors, and institutional partners represents a significant step towards achieving these healthcare goals. The investment aims to ensure that skilled professionals lead care services, encouraging mothers to rely on public health facilities.
Dr. Mekdes highlighted Ethiopia's progress over the past two decades, noting a significant reduction in maternal mortality and increased antenatal care uptake. However, she stressed the need to continue improving, particularly in rural areas, to meet community health needs.
Alice Kang'ethe, CEO of the Beginnings Fund, stated that the organization supports government priorities by investing in people, products, and health systems to provide quality maternal and newborn care. She expressed confidence in Ethiopia's potential to exceed Sustainable Development Goal targets on mortality reduction.
UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia Abdalla Hassan Alshamsi commended Ethiopia's leadership and dedication to healthcare improvement, referencing a related Gates Foundation initiative launched in Abu Dhabi to enhance healthcare across Africa. This initiative aims to benefit 34 million mothers and newborns and prevent over 300 million avoidable deaths by 2031.
The Beginnings Fund is supported by philanthropies such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the Gates Foundation, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, and Delta Philanthropies, and operates in several African countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
