The Okoa Mama na Mtoto initiative, also known as OMMI, is a 3 year Gates Funded collaborative effort in Kenya aimed at accelerating the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths. It focuses on advocating for improved quality of maternal and newborn care, increased domestic funding for maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition efforts (MNCH + N), and advocating for policies that protect the health of women and children.
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Background
Despite notable progress in increasing coverage and access to maternal and newborn health initiatives, Kenya remains significantly off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 12 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. Many of the solutions needed to accelerate progress are well known by local experts. There is a need for coordinated action so that priorities are translated into national and sub-national plans and budgets, that committed funds flow through the system and that community-led accountability efforts feed into decision-making.
Under the leadership of the International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya, the Okoa Mama na Mtoto – Maternal and Newborn Survival – Initiative (OMMI) brings together a host of partners to fast-track progress towards the maternal and newborn SDGs in Kenya. Partners include Options Consultancy Services (Options), Ushiriki Wema, KOGs, KMTC, Lwala Community Alliance, County Youth RH Networks, Shina Foundation, Fountain of Hope, FANIKISHA, Ollwi/Touch a Life, WPWD and Wanahabari.
Working at the national and sub-national level in priority geographies, OMMI aims to achieve the following by 2027:
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