UoN FHS faculty and students join the End PPH Initiative in fight against Postpartum Hemorrhage

In a move to combat one of the most significant threats to maternal survival, the End PPH Initiative have geared up their efforts by hosting a blood donation drive culminating in a run on the 27^th of September, 2026.

The initiative successfully hosted a massive blood donation drive across the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Health Sciences -KNH and Chiromo campuses from the 22-25^th September, 2026. The drive served as a critical precursor to the 3rd International End PPH Run, a massive mobilization effort aimed at reducing the prevalence of maternal deaths caused by Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH).

According to the World Health Organization, PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally, claiming approximately 70,000 lives annually. The crisis affects sub-Saharan Africa, where the risk of death is significantly higher than in high-income nations. In Kenya alone, excessive bleeding after childbirth remains a major problem for thousands of families.

Professor Moses Obimbo, a professor at the UoN’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and project lead for the End PPH Initiative, emphasized that the movement is about more than just clinical intervention; it is about visibility.

"The main purpose of this initiative was to create awareness and visibility for the number one killer of our mothers during childbirth," Prof. Obimbo stated. He also noted that the initiative, launched in 2024, seeks to bridge the gap between clinical science and community mobilization to ensure that when a mother bleeds, the life-saving blood she needs is readily available.

“Maternal health and women's health is not just tied in the wards, it is tied to the community, and when we lose a mother, the community loses so much. So, we want to make sure that we have all this in place, and we have our mothers safe, because safe mothers, safe women, is a safe community, and a very successful community in that case,” Prof. Obimbo stated.

According to Prof. Obimbo, the scale of the recent mobilization has been remarkable. The recent run at the Ulinzi Sports Complex saw 15,000 participants, with 27 counties in Kenya and several other African and international nations showing solidarity for the cause.

Through the "Roaming Blood Donation Program," the initiative has already collected over 1,500 pints of blood, with a target of 3,000 units by World PPH Day.

Eddy Spensa Ouma, the FHS UNSA Chairperson, who took part in the End PPH Run for Her event, highlighted the urgency of the mission to end PPH.

“PPH is often unpredictable, rapidly progressive, and unforgiving of delay, that is why exercises like yesterday’s are so critical in raising awareness to this preventable cause of maternal mortality. Having concluded the 2026 edition of End PPH run we encourage all students from all institutions across the country to continue spreading the awareness,” he stated reinforcing the principle that safe mothers lead to safe, successful communities.