Nairobi, Aug. 3 -- Kenya has signed a five-year agreement with the Beginnings Fund, a global philanthropic initiative, unlocking $80 million (Sh10.4 billion) in catalytic financing to strengthen maternal and newborn health services in 21 counties.

The funding will support approximately 200 high-volume health facilities and is expected to benefit 5.9 million women and newborns. The Beginnings Fund says the programme could avert 46,494 maternal and newborn deaths by 2031.

The funding will be used to strengthen the workforce, expand access to essential medicines and technology, improve referral networks and upgrade the health information system.

"Frameworks or agreements do not save lives. Implementation does. I urge the Beginnings Fund, ...