WED
WOMEN ENGAGED IN DEVELOPMENT
Empowered sustainably
OMMI is a project that aims to reduce maternal and newborn and child mortalities and morbidities
The project aims to Improve maternal and child survival in Kenya through reduction of maternal and child mortalities following accelerated action towards progress of maternal and newborn SDGs
This is an ICRHK – Gates Foundation Initiative for the next three years
Comprised of 13 different organizations as a coalition to accelerate reduction of maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent mortality + nutrition
Women Engaged in Development, as part of the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) consortium, successfully held an impactful induction meeting in Makueni County with the esteemed presence of His Excellency Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr of Makueni County. This collaboration marks a critical step towards accelerating the Every Woman, Every New-born, Everywhere (EWENE) agenda, focusing on zero preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
A special appreciation to all stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who have committed to driving sustainable change for women and new-borns in Makueni and beyond. Together, we are shaping a future where every woman and every new-born not only survives but thrives.
Women Engaged in Development led by Prof. Kihara Anne Beatrice as part of the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) consortium, successfully conducted an induction meeting in Pumwani Maternity Hospital—a milestone in our mission to advance maternal and newborn health in collaboration with Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society.
A big thank you to all partners and supporters who continue to drive change in women's and children's health. Together, we are making a lasting impact!
Women Engaged in Development led by our Executive Director Anne Beatrice Kihara, had an incredible two-day Gates Foundation Grant Planning Workshop with our Donor Gates Foundation- Mr. Sam Mulyanga and Grantee International Centre for Reproductive Health-Kenya (ICRH-K), bringing together grassroot organizations to implement the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI)- a mission to improve maternal and new-born health across Kenya.
Strengthening maternal & new-born health with grassroot organizations led by past First Ladies:
1. Shina Foundation- Her Excellency Nazi Mwambura Kivutha
2. Fanikisha Foundation-Her Excellency Christine Mvurya
3. Fountain Of Hope Organisation - FOH, Her Excellency Fardosa Elan
4. Touch A Life CBO - Her Excellency Priscilla Ambetsa.
Through insightful discussions, collaborative co-creation, and strategic planning, we:
Reviewed the Gates Foundation MNH Grant and planned for Year 1 implementation for the grassroot organizations in Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa and Kwale Counties.
Shared global, regional and national updates on maternal and new-born health.
Strengthened collaboration for impact across different counties.
Co-developed a harmonized work plan to drive community-led solutions for maternal and new-born health.
Through collaboration and community-driven interventions, we are ensuring that every woman and new-born survives and thrive everywhere hence impacting maternal and new-born health outcomes.
In Ethiopia, far too many women and newborns face life-threatening challenges due to inadequate access to quality healthcare. EWENE is committed to changing this reality. Guided by the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) and Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM), we work to ensure that no mother or newborn is left behind.
By strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to essential services, and advocating for policy change, we are building a future where every birth is safe and every newborn has a healthy start. Our initiatives invest in skilled healthcare workers, improve maternal and neonatal care, and empower communities with knowledge and resources.
Through innovation, research, and collaboration, EWENE is driving lasting change. We believe that every woman and every newborn deserves quality care—everywhere.
Join us in making this vision a reality.
Women Engaged in Development participated in the OMMI Project Ministry of Health, Kenya Inception Meeting in Nairobi. This critical gathering brought together key stakeholders in collaboration with key partners to strategize on accelerating maternal and newborn health advocacy under the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) framework.
Key Takeaways:
Leveraging political will for stronger MNCAH+N policies
Strengthening advocacy at grassroots and policy levels
Enhancing maternal and newborn care through community-driven initiatives
Engaging policymakers & stakeholders to drive impactful change
Advocating for sustainable financing to support long-term MNCAH+N goals
As a consortium partner, we are committed to ensuring that no mother and newborn is left behind. Together, we advocate for change and Okoa Mama na Mtoto.
Join us in amplifying the conversation and pushing for stronger policies to safeguard MNCAH+N in Kenya.
ICRHK, in collaboration with Fanikisha Foundation, and in partnership with the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health – MOH, Women Engaged in Development (WED), and Wanahabari, paid a courtesy call to Hon. Dr. Francis Gwama Mwatsahu, County Executive Committee Member for Health, and the Kwale County Health Management Team (CHMT).
The OMMI Inception Meeting aimed to catalyse improved maternal health outcomes through strengthened partnerships, evidence-based advocacy, and community-driven engagement.
Women Engaged in Development was honoured to be part of this important initiative, with our Executive Director, Prof. Anne Beatrice Kihara, in attendance to represent our continued commitment to maternal health advocacy and community empowerment.
Dr. Susan, ICRHK Country Director, highlighted:
“Collaboration is at the heart of sustainable change. Strengthening our partnerships ensures that we can deliver targeted, impactful interventions that truly improve the health and well-being of mothers and families in Kwale.”
Mary Magubo, Program Manager at the MOH Division of RMNCAH, shared:
“The Ministry of Health is planning to host the EWENE forum with top national and county leaders—including all 47 governors and the Presidency—to fast-track efforts toward ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Kenya.”
Hon. Dr. Gwama, CEC for Health, emphasized:
“Consistent, clear messaging is essential. It empowers our communities with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about maternal health—and that’s how we save lives.”
Prof. Anne Beatrice Kihara, Women Engaged in Development Executive Director, added:
“Engaging Community Health Promoters is not optional—it’s essential. Evidence shows that investing in CHPs is one of the most cost-effective strategies to expand access to primary health care and reduce maternal and newborn mortality.”
Together, we are building stronger systems, uplifting communities, and advancing health equity for every mother and newborn in Kwale County and beyond.
As part of ongoing efforts to advance maternal and newborn health, OMMI partners—ICRHK, the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health – MOH, Wanahabari, and Women Engaged in Development (WED)—visited Radio Kaya for a strategic media engagement.
The session aimed to raise public awareness, stimulate meaningful dialogue, and mobilize communities on key maternal health issues. By sharing expert perspectives and vital health messages through a trusted local platform, the team underscored the power of collaboration in promoting safe motherhood and strengthening healthcare systems at the grassroots level.
We believe that informed communities are empowered communities. Together with our partners, we are committed to ensuring life-saving information reaches families—right where they are.
ICRHK, in collaboration with Shina Foundation and the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) – Ministry of Health, hosted the Kilifi County Government for the official Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) inception meeting in Kilifi County.
The meeting brought together key leaders; Hon. Dr. Hassan, Director of Health, Kilifi County Government, County Health Management Team (CHMT) and OMMI consortium partners—Women Engaged in Development (WED), Wanahabari, and Fanikisha Foundation—to align strategies for accelerating efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the region.
Women Engaged in Development was honoured to be part of this important initiative, with our Executive Director, Prof. Anne Beatrice Kihara, in attendance to represent our continued commitment to maternal health advocacy and community empowerment.
Dr. Susan Ontiri, Country Director at ICRHK, emphasized the strength of longstanding collaboration:
"Kilifi County is home to ICRHK, and we are grateful for the support we’ve received over the years—even more so as we begin implementing OMMI."
Mary Magubo, Program Manager at the MOH Division of RMNCAH, shared an upcoming national milestone:
"The Ministry of Health is planning to convene the EWENE Forum—a high-level platform bringing together all 47 governors and the Presidency to accelerate coordinated action and evidence-based interventions that prevent maternal and newborn deaths across Kenya."
Ms. Nazi Mwambura-Kivutha, Chairperson of Shina Foundation, stressed the importance of grassroots engagement:
"If a community does not understand why they need to go to the hospital, the structures don’t mean anything."
Hon. Dr. Hassan, Director of Health, Kilifi County Government, reaffirmed the county's dedication:
"Collaboration is key. As a county, we are committed to realizing the goals of OMMI and ending maternal mortality."
We believe that partnerships and community leadership are fundamental to saving lives. We remain dedicated to ensuring that no mother or child is left behind.
