THE United Nations has lauded the Beyond Zero Campaign launched byF irst lady Margaret Kenyatta.
It said the initiative will improve maternal and child health in the country.
“Fifteen women die every day due to pregnancy related complications in Kenya and 20 per cent of all deaths among mothers in the country are Aids-related, this initiative will improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country,” Unaids said in a statement.
“The new initiative also aims to accelerate the implementation of the national plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children.”
The First Lady launched the campaign on January 24 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
More than 5,500 women in Kenya die every year due to pregnancy and birth-related complications. In 2012 more than 100,000 children died before their first birthday. In the same year, there were more than 13,000 new HIV infections among children, 62 per cent of whom did not access life-saving medication.
Yesterday, Co-operative Bank of Kenya gave Sh10 million to the First Lady’s Maternal and Child Healthcare Half Marathon.
Presenting the donation at State House, Nairobi, the bank's group managing director Gideon Muriuki commended the First Lady for her effort and desire to make a difference in the lives of women and children.
“Only a mother can fully understand what our women go through every day as they struggle with the challenges of maternal healthcare and the pain of losing children over things that can be avoided if we work together," he said.
"Our contribution will go towards the purchase of mobile clinics that will go a long way towards the provision of medical services at the grassroots, where Kenyans need it most."
Muriuki appealed to other corporate institutions and Kenyans to create a women’s movement around wellness and the importance of healthy living.
The half marathon will take place on March 9 and will begin at the KICC.
After the half marathon, the First Lady will participate in the 2014 London Marathon on April 13 to raise more awareness.