Makueni's newborn mortality rate - 26 deaths per 1,000 live births - exceeds the average in Kenya (21) and globally (18). Key drivers such as preterm birth and low birthweight are often manageable with the right care, but become life-threatening if women and babies don’t access care in time. In Makueni, Child.org found that less than ⅓ of newborns received postnatal care within 48 hours of birth - leaving the majority vulnerable during their most dangerous window of life.

In Makueni, too many women are unaware of danger signs in pregnancy and newborns, and when and how to seek help. Without that knowledge, treatable conditions can be fatal. Child.org will help bridge this gap and improve women and newborns’ access to care. We will train health workers to build women's knowledge of danger signs, engage women with services, and follow up with high-risk mothers and newborns at home. We will work with health facilities to improve the quality and coordination of care.