Al Ain: The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, in collaboration with its partners, has announced the launch of the 'Beginnings Fund,' a significant philanthropic initiative aimed at improving maternal and newborn survival rates in Africa. The launch event was held at Kanad Hospital in Al Ain, a pioneering medical establishment in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was graced by the presence of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and Chairman of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, under which the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity operates. He was accompanied by Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; and other key partners.
Prominent attendees included Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi; Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences; Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Health of Malawi; Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda; Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health of Ethiopia; and Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Minister of Health of Zanzibar.
The Beginnings Fund aims to collaborate with African governments, national organizations, and experts to prevent over 300,000 deaths by 2030, enhancing access to quality healthcare for 34 million mothers and babies. The initiative is part of a nearly $600 million philanthropic commitment, with $100 million dedicated directly to achieving the fund's mission.
This commitment was facilitated by a $125 million grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, which unlocked matched funding from other organizations including the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Delta Philanthropies, The ELMA Foundation, and the Gates Foundation. Additional support came from the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Patchwork Collective, among others.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the UAE's historical challenges with maternal and newborn mortality and the importance of accessible quality healthcare. He highlighted the dedication to partnering with governments and organizations to build a healthier future.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, pointed out that despite progress over the past two decades, preventable deaths remain a critical issue. He welcomed the launch of the Beginnings Fund and its potential to address these challenges.
Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia's Minister of Health, stressed the importance of resilient health systems and the potential for transformative changes in maternal and newborn care through strategic investments and innovations.
The Beginnings Fund will operate in up to ten countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, with plans to attract further funding for sustainability. The focus will be on strengthening healthcare workforces and facilities with cost-effective interventions to support government efforts in improving maternal and newborn health.
Robyn Calder, President of ELMA Philanthropies, expressed a commitment to pooling resources with other partners in the fund to significantly reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Africa. Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, reiterated the foundation's commitment to addressing disparities in health and accelerating progress.
Alice Kang'ethe, CEO of the Beginnings Fund, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of African governments, organizations, and founding investors in driving lasting change across the continent, highlighting the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable improvements in maternal and newborn health.