China-UNICEF initiative launched to promote maternal, infant health in Kenya

The Chinese government, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a 3-million-U.S.-dollar initiative in Kenya to promote maternal and newborn health.

Senior government officials, diplomats and representatives of multilateral agencies attended the launch of the program, dubbed “Promotion of Health and Well-being of Women and Children in Kenya,” on Tuesday in Nairobi.

The program, funded through the China International Development Cooperation Agency, will target Mandera, Garissa and Wajir counties of the East African country, where limited access to preventive and curative care has driven the maternal and neonatal mortality rates well above the national average.

Under the program, China will fund the delivery of essential medical equipment to referral hospitals, sub-county health facilities and primary care centers to ensure comprehensive care from the prenatal to postnatal period. The program also includes training for health workers and community volunteers, alongside improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene standards in health facilities to curb infections.

UNICEF representative to Kenya Shaheen Nilofer stressed that behind every figure stands a mother, a newborn and a family, and that this partnership is determined to rewrite those stories. She expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its support in the fight against maternal and newborn deaths, helping the Kenyan government protect its most vulnerable communities.

The program aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint and broader UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing UNICEF’s commitment to giving every child in Kenya a chance not just to survive, but to thrive.

China-UNICEF initiative launched to promote maternal, infant health in Kenya

The International Aerospace Exhibition, also known as ILA Berlin, opened on Wednesday, with high-tech drones and European defense cooperation in focus.

Organizers said in a press release that more than 750 exhibitors from 37 countries are presenting innovations and future technologies across the aviation, space and defense sectors at this year’s event.

Drones are among the key topics at the exhibition, with ILA Berlin setting up a dedicated Drone Pavilion. German news agency dpa reported that the future direction of European defense cooperation is also likely to be discussed, following setbacks in a multi-billion-euro Franco-German fighter jet project.

The program also includes political forums and flight demonstrations featuring military and civilian aircraft. Around 100 aircraft are scheduled to be displayed on the ground and in the air, including the German Heron TP, the Airbus Beluga, the Emirates A380 and the AW249 helicopter.

“This is the biggest ILA ever. As you can see, it is larger than last time. The topic of defense is of course the focus of this year’s show,” said Martin Kroell, member of the board of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI).

Held every two years, ILA Berlin is one of Europe’s major aerospace trade shows. This year’s event runs through June 14.

Berlin air show opens with focus on drones, European defense cooperation