1/10 million safer births supported 

The 10 Million Safer Births Initiative has reached an important milestone, having supported approximately 1 million safer births across Sub-Saharan Africa since its launch in June 2025. 

The initiative, launched by UNFPA and Maternity Foundation with support from the Government of Denmark and the Gates Foundation, aims to ensure 10 million safer births by the end of 2030 in a region that accounts for 70% of maternal deaths worldwide. By strengthening the quality of care delivered to mothers and newborns, the initiative seeks to accelerate progress towards reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths. 

The initiative includes the continued scale-up of the Safe Delivery App, which serves as both a clinical job aid and a learning tool for midwives and other healthcare professionals.  

Implementation has begun in the initiative’s first three countries, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Nigeria, where significant progress has already been achieved. Key results to date include: 

• Approximately 1 million safer births supported 

• Nearly 1,200 midwives trained 

• Almost 11,500 new Safe Delivery App users 

• An average 73% increase in clinical skills among participating midwives

These results demonstrate the potential of combining digital health solutions, capacity building, and country-led implementation to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes at scale. 

The foundation for further expansion has now been established, with implementing countries taking ownership of the initiative and its continued scale-up, while paving the way for expansion to additional countries beyond the initial three. 

Through training and microlearning, the establishment of communities of practice, and the adaption and integration of the Safe Delivery App into national health systems and programmes, the initiative is creating ripple effects that will reach millions more mothers and babies. 

In addition, participating countries have established a collaborative network to share experiences, learn from one another, and accelerate progress towards the shared goal of ensuring that it does not cost life to give life. 

The milestones were shared with Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark, Patron of the initiative, during a meeting held on 25 August, where partners provided an update on progress and discussed the next steps of implementation. 

Her Majesty has been a strong advocate for improving maternal and newborn health, and her continued support helps raise awareness of the urgent need to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and babies. 

While significant work remains ahead, reaching the first 1 million safer births marks an important step forward. 

1 million safer births achieved. 9 million to go.