# A 9.3-billion-rand fund aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health in sub-Saharan Africa was launched in Abu Dhabi today at a time when Western countries are sharply cutting aid to Africa. The Beginnings Fund brings together philanthropists including the Gates Foundation. The fund seeks to prevent more than 300-thousand deaths and improve access to quality care for 34 million mothers and babies by that date. Over the next five years, the Beginnings Fund aims to partner with 10 countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Fund launched to improve maternal and neonatal health in sub-Saharan Africa