Huffington Post: Kenya Is Poised to End Maternal Deaths, Led by the First Lady
Ambassador Eric Goosby, former U.S. global AIDS coordinator

“Kenya is amongst the 10 most dangerous countries for pregnant women. Between 6,000 and 8,000 women die every year during childbirth; the current maternal mortality rate is 488 deaths per 100,000 live births. Kenya has made little progress in reducing this to achieve the commitment set in the Millennium Development Goals of 147 deaths per 100,000. However, thanks to the introduction of free maternity services for women by the Government of Kenya in 2013, Kenya’s dire maternal death rate may finally begin to fall. The First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, has emerged as a true champion in this cause. Her drive and resolve has put the spotlight on Kenya’s efforts to reverse this tragic trend. … There is great momentum in Kenya to end the terrible tragedy of women, infants and children dying needlessly. The First Lady of Kenya has kicked the ball towards ending maternal deaths and now the governors must ensure that it is pushed through the goal posts…” (10/24).