Kenya hosted Africa’s first conference dedicated to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) on July 22 and 23, 2026, bringing together policymakers, health professionals, researchers and development partners to strengthen efforts to tackle one of the leading causes of maternal deaths across the continent.

Postpartum haemorrhage, defined as excessive bleeding after childbirth, remains a major public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries despite being largely preventable and treatable with timely, quality maternal healthcare. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health estimates that about 16 women die every day from PPH, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and emergency obstetric care.

Against this backdrop, the conference provided a platform for participants to share evidence, innovations and policy approaches aimed at reducing maternal mortality. Discussions focused on improving access to essential medicines, strengthening the skills of healthcare workers, enhancing referral systems, ensuring adequate blood supplies, and integrating proven interventions into routine maternal health services.

Beyond technical discussions, the meeting reflected growing recognition that reducing maternal deaths requires coordinated action among governments, healthcare institutions, development partners and professional bodies. Strengthening collaboration across these sectors is considered essential to improving the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of maternal healthcare.

By hosting the inaugural continental conference, Kenya has positioned itself at the forefront of regional efforts to improve maternal health. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing the global maternal mortality ratio, as well as the African Union’s broader agenda to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Through promoting knowledge exchange, regional collaboration and evidence-based interventions, the conference strengthened national and continental strategies to prevent postpartum haemorrhage and improve the survival and wellbeing of mothers across Africa.