UNICEF and Church Collaboration Saves Lives in Africa

UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are partnering to improve maternal and newborn health in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. The initiative focuses on the critical first 28 days of a child’s life, aiming to reduce mortality rates by enhancing the skills of healthcare workers.

In Eastern and Southern Africa, newborn mortality rates are alarmingly high due to inadequate healthcare. To address this, UNICEF and the Church have launched a sustainable training program. The initiative, which began in 2022, establishes learning hubs, simulation centers, and mentorship programs. These resources equip healthcare providers with the necessary skills to enhance care standards and reduce mortality rates.

The program’s unique approach includes hands-on training in hospital settings, moving away from traditional classroom instruction. This method ensures that healthcare providers gain not only competency but also proficiency in lifesaving skills. By providing personalized support during labor, including dynamic birthing positions and non-pharmacological pain relief measures, the program improves outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

The initiative also emphasizes the importance of mental health, recognizing that positive birth experiences can positively impact mothers’ mental health and, consequently, early childhood development. The program’s success lies in its local ownership and scalability. By involving stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, the initiative ensures sustainability and expansion.

Early results in Ethiopia show positive outcomes, with thousands of mothers and newborns benefiting from the program’s interventions. The project has received support from governments, Laerdal Global Health, and other partners, ensuring its sustainability. In 2024, the program will expand to more health centers in Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as Angola, Lesotho, and Mozambique.

Through this partnership, UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not only saving lives but also building long-lasting healthcare infrastructure and advocating for similar improvements in other countries. Their shared belief is that every child deserves a healthy start in life.