In a powerful show of global collaboration, the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, alongside the Gates Foundation and other philanthropic partners, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of mothers and newborns across Africa. The Beginnings Fund, announced today at a launch event in Kanad Hospital, Al Ain, is a bold $600 million commitment to maternal and newborn survival.

The fund is expected to prevent over 300,000 deaths and improve access to quality care for more than 34 million mothers and babies by 2030. This landmark effort brings together African governments, local organizations, and global experts in a collective mission to close the survival gap for women and newborns.

Catalyzing Change Through Collective Giving

At the heart of this initiative is a major philanthropic investment: a $125 million grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, which catalyzed matched contributions from a powerful consortium of partners including the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Delta Philanthropies, The ELMA Foundation, and the Gates Foundation. Additional support comes from the Horace W. Smith Foundation, Patchwork Collective, and others together bringing the total commitment to nearly $600 million, with $100 million earmarked specifically for projects that advance the Fund’s mission.

Over the next five years, the Fund will partner with 10 African countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to deliver targeted investments where they’re needed most: hospitals, health centers, and referral networks where maternal and newborn deaths still occur far too frequently.

A Vision Rooted in Shared Responsibility

The launch ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chair of Erth Zayed Philanthropies. Reflecting on the UAE’s own health journey, he said:

“Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, we are honored to support the Beginnings Fund in giving more mothers and their children the opportunity of a healthy start. This knowledge continues to guide us today, as we work hand-in-hand with governments and partners to build a healthier, more hopeful future.”

The event also welcomed high-level dignitaries including H.E. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Health and Prevention H.E. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, and several African Ministers of Health from Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zanzibar.

The urgency of the Fund’s mission is underscored by alarming statistics: every seven seconds, a mother or baby dies a preventable death. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 70% of global maternal deaths occur, and newborn deaths in the first month remain the leading cause of child mortality. Without large-scale action, 182,000 women, 1.2 million newborns, and 950,000 stillbirths could occur annually most of them entirely preventable.

Strengthening Systems with Smart Investments

To reverse these trends, the Beginnings Fund will focus on building resilient health systems training frontline workers, equipping health facilities, and scaling low-cost, evidence-based interventions proven to save lives. A key part of the strategy is long-term, multi-year funding that empowers African countries to design and drive their own progress.

Leaders from across the global health and philanthropic community voiced their support:

“The world has made real progress…but still, every seven seconds, a mother or baby dies a preventable death,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “We welcome the Beginnings Fund and look forward to working closely with all those involved to end these preventable tragedies.”

“Mothers and newborns should not be dying from causes we know how to prevent,” said H.E. Dr Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health. “We all have a shared responsibility to build health systems that can safeguard life.”

“This should only be the beginning,” added Sir Chris Hohn, Chair of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. “We need more funders, more partners, and more action to make these lifesaving interventions available to all.”

“We’ve seen firsthand how collective investments drive real, transformative change,” said Tanya Masiyiwa, President of Delta Philanthropies. “The Beginnings Fund will amplify our impact and save more lives.”

“This effort allows us to go beyond grants—to deploy capital at a scale that truly saves lives,” noted Robyn Calder, President of ELMA Philanthropies.

“In the past decade, we’ve developed powerful solutions to protect mothers and children—but they’re still not reaching the people who need them most,” said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation. “This Fund will help us close that gap.”

A New Chapter for Maternal and Newborn Health

The Beginnings Fund is designed not just to address the immediate crisis, but to build lasting infrastructure, knowledge, and capacity across the continent. By working hand-in-hand with governments and national experts, the Fund aims to create a blueprint for sustainable maternal and newborn health progress one that can inspire action far beyond its initial 10-country focus.

“African governments, with support from philanthropic and bilateral organizations, are leading the charge in maternal and newborn health,” said Alice Kang’ethe, CEO of the Beginnings Fund. “But achieving lasting change takes collaboration. I want to thank all our partners for being part of this unprecedented effort.”

With the right investments, smart partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to mothers and babies, the Beginnings Fund is more than a financial commitment it’s a lifeline for millions and a catalyst for lasting change.