Last week, the International Maternal and Newborn Health (IMNH) Conference convened in Nairobi, bringing together global and national leaders, policymakers, implementers, and partners to reflect, share insights, and accelerate collective action to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
With nearly half of all under-five deaths occurring within the first month of life, the urgency to scale effective, evidence-based interventions has never been greater.
EPN was honored to participate in this important convening, contributing perspectives grounded in its work to strengthen pharmaceutical systems and improve access to quality-assured maternal and newborn health commodities. Drawing from the Maternal and Newborn Health Product Introduction (MNHC) Project in Kenya and Nigeria, EPN highlighted how country-led, context-specific solutions can drive meaningful and sustainable impact.
The conference provided a valuable platform to showcase the critical role of faith-based health systems—many of which serve remote and underserved communities, in delivering essential maternal and newborn health services. EPN emphasized the importance of integrating these systems into national health strategies, financing frameworks, and supply chains to ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions.
Key insights from the conference included:
- Faith-based health facilities are integral to national health systems and are well-positioned to partner with governments and stakeholders to expand access to care at the last mile.
- Locally generated, country-led evidence is essential for informing policy, guiding implementation, and ensuring sustainability.
- Strengthening data systems remains critical—what is recorded informs action, and what is acted upon saves lives.
- Community-led and culturally responsive approaches are key to improving uptake and sustaining impact.
- Addressing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) requires a comprehensive approach, including strategic advocacy, skilled and empowered providers, aligned health systems, and the use of actionable data.
- Reliable supply chains and the consistent availability of quality-assured maternal and newborn health commodities, including uterotonics, PPH intervention bundles, and other essential medicines—are fundamental to saving lives.
- Sustained progress depends on strong political commitment, coordinated partnerships, and targeted advocacy to scale proven interventions.
The conference reinforced a critical message: improving maternal and newborn health is not a one-time effort, but a sustained movement requiring coordinated action at all levels.
At EPN, we remain committed to strengthening pharmaceutical and supply chain systems, supporting country-led solutions, and ensuring that life-saving maternal and newborn health commodities reach the most vulnerable populations—especially those at the last mile.
