The Beginning Fund, which aims to improve maternal and child health services in sub-Saharan Africa, will work with African governments to save 300,000 newborn deaths and provide quality medical services to 34 million mothers and children by 2030, it was announced at the launch event.
The official ceremony held at the Canada Hospital in Abu Dhabi Al Ain was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of Abu Dhabi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said that Ethiopia has made progress in maternal, newborn and child health over the past two decades, but much remains to be done.
She also noted that the country has achieved significant results in reducing maternal, newborn and under-five mortality.
According to the latest United Nations estimates, the maternal mortality rate has decreased from 871 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 195, while infant mortality has decreased from 39 per 1,000 live births to 26, and under-five mortality from 123 per 1,000 live births to 47, Minister Dr. Mekdes said. In this regard, the country should focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
She announced that this initiative will play a significant role in achieving the goals set in the second Health Sector Transformation Plan and the 2026 target for maternal and child health in Ethiopia.
The initiative is supported by various humanitarian organizations, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Humanitarian Organization, the Elma Foundation, SIF and the Gates Foundation, and will benefit sub-Saharan African countries, especially Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Rwanda.
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