Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity in partnership with other philanthropic organisations has introduced Beginnings Fund, a new initiative focused on improving maternal and newborn survival in Africa.
The fund aims to prevent more than 300,000 deaths and increase access to quality care for 34 million mothers as well as babies by 2030.
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It is part of a nearly $600m philanthropic commitment to maternal and newborn health, which encompass $100m in direct funding to support the fund’s mission.
This commitment was made possible by a $125m grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity.
It leveraged additional matched funding from several foundations, including the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, Delta Philanthropies, and Gates Foundation, with contributions from Horace W. Smith Foundation, Patchwork Collective, among others.
This fund, over the next five years, will collaborate with 10 African countries to invest in the necessary products, people, and systems to enhance maternal and newborn health.
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By GlobalDataThe investments will focus on improving survival rates in health centres, hospitals and referral networks that bear a high burden of maternal and newborn mortality.
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “Through this partnership, we further our dedication to working hand-in-hand with governments and partners to build a healthier, more hopeful future for generations to come.”
Working with implementation partners at the country level, the Beginnings Fund will operate in countries such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The fund’s initial investments are intended to attract further funding from new donors, aiming for long-term sustainability.
The Fund’s strategy includes strengthening healthcare workforces and providing facilities with a range of low-cost, evidence-based interventions.
To support government efforts of ensuring mothers and babies have a quality start to life, the Beginnings Fund is set to promote innovation, empower healthcare workers, and establish data and referral systems.
