Ensuring Maternal and Newborn Health: Health Procurement Africa’s Partnership with the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health

At Health Procurement Africa (HPA), our commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across Africa is steadfast. In a recent collaboration with the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health (DRMH), we took a significant step towards safeguarding the health of mothers and newborns across Kenya. This partnership focused on the quantification of key Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Program products and technologies—a critical process that ensures commodity security and supports the broader goal of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

The Importance of Quantification in MNH

Quantification is the backbone of an effective supply chain in healthcare. It involves estimating the quantities of health commodities required to meet the needs of a population over a specific period. In the context of Maternal and Newborn Health, accurate quantification ensures that life-saving products and technologies are consistently available at all levels of healthcare. This availability is crucial in preventing maternal and newborn deaths, particularly in regions with limited resources.

The week-long quantification exercise was part of DRMH’s comprehensive strategy to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by ensuring that priority MNH products are always in supply. The products and technologies quantified during this exercise are vital in managing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, making their availability a matter of life and death for many women and newborns.

Elevating MNH Products to a Strategic Level

One of the key outcomes of this collaboration has been the elevation of the conversation around MNH products to a strategic level. By bringing this issue to the forefront, HPA and DRMH are ensuring that these products receive the attention they deserve from policymakers and stakeholders. This strategic focus is essential for securing the funding and support needed to maintain a steady supply of MNH products.

The quantification report, which contains forecast estimates for the period 2024/2025 to 2026/2027, is a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts. This report will be included in an advocacy package aimed at securing adequate funding for the procurement of these essential products. By providing clear, data-driven estimates, the report makes a compelling case for the importance of sustained investment in MNH commodities.

Collaboration with Key Partners

This quantification exercise was made possible through the collaboration of various key partners. Organizations such as inSupply Health, USAID Afya Ugavi, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Lwala Community Alliance, KEMSA, and MEDS played an instrumental role in this effort. Their expertise and support were invaluable in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the quantification process.

Moreover, representatives from Embu, Homabay, Kakamega, Kiambu, Makueni, Migori, Nairobi, and Nakuru counties also provided critical input, reflecting the diverse needs and contexts of different regions in Kenya. Their participation underscores the importance of a coordinated, nationwide approach to addressing maternal and newborn health challenges.

The Road Ahead

The successful completion of this quantification exercise is a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning. The data gathered and the strategic conversations initiated will guide our next steps as we work to secure funding and support for MNH products. At HPA, we are committed to continuing our collaboration with DRMH and other partners to ensure that no mother or newborn is left without the care they need.

As we move forward, we will keep the momentum going by advocating for the sustained investment in MNH products and technologies. By doing so, we aim to make a lasting impact on maternal and newborn health across Kenya and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates on our work and the progress we are making in ensuring healthcare for all. Together, we can create a future where every mother and newborn has access to the life-saving care they deserve.

About Health Procurement Africa

Health Procurement Africa (HPA) is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes across Africa by strengthening the procurement and supply chain systems for health commodities. We work closely with governments, organizations, and communities to ensure that essential health products are available where they are needed most. Through our work, we strive to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for all.

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