In order to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country, the First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta launched the ‘Beyond Zero Campaign’ on 24 January in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The new initiative also aims to accelerate the implementation of the national plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children.
As indicated on their website, Beyond Zero is a call to action for policy prioritization and formulation, increased resource allocation, improved service delivery and better individual health seeking behaviors and practices.
However, the campaign has come under attack by many Kenyans who have termed it as PR stunt even as preparations are in top gear for this year’s Beyond Zero Marathon slated for March 10.
Here are some of their reactions:
Besides the cash donations from Beyond Zero’s traditional and new partners, sponsors and supporters, the First Lady also received additional support from Chinese Firm, Huawei Technologies, who presented 50 laptops to support healthcare delivery through medical safaris.
“The impact on the ground is truly amazing. You can feel it and you can see it,” said First Lady Margaret Kenyatta as she thanked the 20 organisations for their support.
The First Lady said her current focus is on obstetric fistula, a condition she said continues to frustrate many poor women including the elderly.
All the Chief Executives Officers and team leaders of the 20 corporate donors affirmed their support for Beyond Zero’s healthcare initiatives especially on maternal and child health.
They also pledged to mobilise their employees to take part in the forthcoming marathon.