The inaugural global initiative aimed at ending 70,000 maternal deaths begins on Sunday, October 6 at Ulinzi Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. Each year, over 14 million women suffer from excessive bleeding after childbirth, known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), resulting in the loss of 70,000 lives. The first "Run for Her" marathon will raise awareness and highlight the urgency of the PPH crisis.

The EndPPH run, organized primarily by the University of Nairobi (UoN) in partnership with the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), the Midwives Association of Kenya (MAK), and other collaborators, is a key component of a larger campaign aimed at raising awareness about PPH, its causes, consequences, and the preventative measures that can save lives.

Experts say the Run for Her marathon serves as a clarion call to action; inviting individuals from all backgrounds to join the fight against PPH. Funds raised will support healthcare providers, enhance access to essential medical supplies, and advance research into preventative measures, while also building the capacity of healthcare workers in maternal care.

The Olympian and world record holder for the 1,500 meters, as well as a former world record holder for the 5,000 meters, Faith Kipyegon is participating in the EndPPH run to raise awareness for maternal health. As a female athlete and mother, she is acutely aware of the challenges and risks that women face every day.

"Losing life whilst giving a life should not be one of them. I am honoured to play my part in the Run for Her marathon to raise awareness around PPH.”

Team lead for the End PPH initiative and Chair of the Human Anatomy & Medical Physiology Department at the University of Nairobi, Professor Obimbo Moses Madadi, emphasizes that postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal deaths globally, and its devastating impact can no longer be ignored.

"Through initiatives like the Run for Her marathon, we are raising awareness and bringing attention to the urgent need for more resources, education, and research. I believe that by bringing together governments, healthcare providers, and communities, we can save thousands of lives and ensure that no woman dies giving life,” said Professor Moses.

A UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Laura Oyiengo, says that two major challenges for mothers experiencing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are the lack of access to skilled healthcare personnel and inadequate medical equipment to manage the bleeding.

To combat PPH in Kenya, UNICEF aims to introduce innovative, low-cost, and effective solutions. One such tool is a compression suit designed to apply external pressure to a woman's lower body, reducing blood flow to the uterus and preventing hypovolemic shock. Without this intervention, a woman can bleed to death in as little as 30 minutes. However, the pressure suit can buy crucial time—up to 48 hours—allowing for safe transfer to a healthcare facility that can provide appropriate treatment for PPH.

"With UNICEF’s global expertise in scaling and providing evidence-based technologies and interventions to tackle PPH, we can help ensure future PPH deaths are prevented,” Dr Oyiengo stated. 

Common causes of PPH include uterine atony (inadequate uterine contractions), retention of placental tissue, lacerations in the birth canal, and abnormal blood clotting. Risk factors such as prolonged labor, anemia, and complications like preeclampsia further increase the likelihood of PPH. However many cases occur without identifiable risk factors, underscoring the importance of early detection and management.

President of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), Professor Kihara Anne-Beatrice, emphasizes that raising awareness about PPH is crucial in the effort to reduce maternal mortality, a significant concern particularly in low- and middle-income countries. He states that FIGO is committed to implementing initiatives that equip healthcare providers and communities with the necessary knowledge and tools to prevent these tragic deaths.

"Together, we can make PPH-related deaths a thing of the past and create a safer future for mothers everywhere." 

The Science for Africa Foundation believes in leveraging science to create positive impacts on lives, and its support for the inaugural PPH run reflects a commitment to ensuring healthy and productive lives across Africa while celebrating the continent’s legacy as a cradle of innovation.

Chief Scientific Officer of the SFA Foundation, Dr. Evelyn Gitau states that they are not only raising awareness but also mobilizing resources and fostering local solutions to empower communities in their fight against this crisis.

“Our mission is to ensure that every woman has access to safe childbirth practices, turning our vision of a healthier future into a reality.” 

PPH as a Major Public Health Challenge

Women in low- and middle-income countries are especially vulnerable to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to several factors, including limited access to skilled healthcare providers, a lack of essential medical supplies, and deficiencies in emergency obstetric care. Many regions in Africa face these challenges disproportionately, with specific areas identified as PPH "hot spots" that require targeted efforts to address regional disparities.

Cabinet Secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, emphasizes that PPH is a significant public health challenge that the Ministry is dedicated to tackling. She asserts that the ministry recognizes that every mother deserves a safe childbirth experience, free from the fear of preventable complications.

"This is why this run is important today raising awareness on this important issue,” she said.

President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), Dr. Kireki Omanwa, states the society's commitment to supporting pregnant women by advocating for quality maternal healthcare and empowering families and healthcare workers with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent complications like PPH and avoid tragic outcomes.

"Our partnership in this run signifies a united front in advocating for safer childbirth experiences and driving meaningful change, ensuring that every mother receives the care she deserves and reducing maternal mortality across our nation" 

Secretary General of the Midwives Association of Kenya (MAK), Eunice Atsali emphasizes the important role they play in the Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Run, which serves as a vital platform for raising awareness about this life-threatening condition.

"Through initiatives like the PPH Run, we aim to close the gaps in knowledge and access to care, empowering our midwives to effectively manage PPH and other complications."