Beginnings Fund aims to prevent 300,000 maternal and newborn deaths by 2030
A powerful coalition of global philanthropies has launched the Beginnings Fund, a transformative initiative that aims to prevent over 300,000 maternal and newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
Announced at Kanad Hospital in Abu Dhabi, the fund will partner with African governments to strengthen health systems, train healthcare workers, and expand access to low-cost, life-saving interventions. With a goal to reach 34 million mothers and babies, this marks one of the most ambitious philanthropic efforts ever made in maternal and newborn health on the continent.
The Beginnings Fund is backed by major donors including the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, The ELMA Foundation, Gates Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Delta Philanthropies, and others. These anchor funders have committed nearly $600 million, with $100 million earmarked for immediate investments.
The fund will work in up to 10 African countries—including Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda—targeting high-burden hospitals and referral networks where the majority of maternal and newborn deaths occur. These deaths, mostly preventable, remain one of global health’s most neglected challenges.
“Through this partnership, we further our dedication to building a healthier, more hopeful future,” said H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose foundation provided a major grant that catalyzed the fund.
African Ministers of Health from Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Zanzibar joined the launch, underscoring strong political support. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Health Minister, said: “Mothers and newborns should not be dying from causes we know how to prevent. This fund is a step toward changing that.”
Stillbirths and newborn deaths in Africa remain alarmingly high, with 1.2 million newborns and 182,000 women dying each year. Without urgent intervention, these figures are expected to persist.
“The fund is designed to catalyze not just money, but momentum,” said Alice Kang’ethe, CEO of the Beginnings Fund. “We’re working hand in hand with governments to drive systemic change.”
Backers emphasized the need for more global funders to join. “Ending preventable deaths in childbirth is within reach,” said Sir Chris Hohn, CIFF founder. “But we must scale funding and delivery of proven solutions now.”
With 90% of its $500 million goal already raised, the Beginnings Fund is poised to become a cornerstone in the global movement to ensure mothers and babies not only survive, but thrive.