On March 26, 2025, The Ministry of Health, Saving Little Lives 360 (SLL 360) and UNICEF team gathered to review the Saving Little Lives (SLL) Project report, reflecting on its progress made during the program’s implementation from 2021-2024, lesson learned and future direction. The meeting underscored a fundamental truth: beyond the data, reports, and interventions, the heart of this initiative lies in protecting and improving the lives of mothers and newborns.
Key Highlights:
Impactful Research & Implementation – The project’s evidence-based approach has strengthened newborn care interventions across 290 hospitals in the country’s 7 regions.
Challenges & Resilience – Despite hurdles like conflict, the Covid pandemic, economic crises, and the health system challenges, the collective effort of partners has ensured sustainability and system integration.
Data & Quality Improvement – Stakeholders emphasized the need for accurate, individual data and data quality monitoring mechanisms to drive neonatal health improvements changes.
Collaboration for Sustainability –The Ministry of Health, SLL360 and UNICEF emphasized the program’s contribution in establishing a platform for clinical mentorship, capacity building and the promotion and local ownership of neonatal health initiatives.
As Dr. Mariamawit Asfaw, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Service Lead Executive Officer remarked, “For a mother who has been pregnant for nine months to lose the baby at birth is heartbreaking. We must work together to ensure every mother and child receives the care they deserve.” Looking ahead, SLL360 remains dedicated to reducing neonatal mortality, strengthening newborn care systems, addressing policy gaps, and fostering sustainable interventions. Because at the core of our work, it’s not just about the project, it’s about the lives we impact.
#SavingLittleLives #NewbornHealth #MaternalHealth
