The Beyond Zero campaign, led by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, conducted free maternity screening camps in Narok and Kisumu counties in 2018, offering vital services like electrocardiograms and maternal health assessments to over 11,000 participants.
World Health Organization data reveals 830 daily maternal deaths globally from preventable pregnancy-related causes, with 99% occurring in developing nations. In Kenya, Unicef reports 6,000 annual maternal deaths and an infant mortality rate of 22 per 1,000 live births, highlighting persistent challenges in rural healthcare access.
Campaign organizers emphasized the need for improved ultrasound availability, as many women in semi-urban and rural areas lack access to diagnostic imaging. Limited antenatal care attendance due to financial and logistical barriers exacerbates risks, despite the critical role of prenatal screenings in detecting complications.
The initiative underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing universal health coverage. By integrating medical technology and community-based care, stakeholders aim to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3, focusing on health and well-being as pillars of sustainable development.
