The Aga Khan University (AKU) is proud to partner with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, the Government of Kenya, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to launch the WomenX Collective (WomenX) Nairobi Hub.
This landmark initiative supports locally led solutions – including new technologies, service delivery models, and financing tools – to close critical gaps in health care for women and girls. Building on the success of the WomenX Berlin Hub launched in October 2024, the Nairobi Hub will catalyse innovation, fostering collaboration among governments, health experts, funders, and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.
“At Aga Khan University, we believe that the true value of knowledge lies in its power to transform lives," said Dr Salim Virani, Vice Provost for Research at AKU. “Our partnership with UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, Kenya, and Africa CDC in launching the WomenX Collective Africa Hub reflects our dedication to advancing women's and girls' health. By contributing our research expertise and local insights, we aim to co-create scalable, evidence-based solutions that deliver real impact. It is an honour to host this launch and collaborate with global and regional leaders in driving progress for maternal and reproductive health."
Every minute, at least two women die globally from preventable causes, such as breast or cervical cancer or pregnancy-related complications, due to inequitable health care access. The WomenX Collective seeks to change this by mobilising $100 million in catalytic investments by 2030, with the potential to avert 10.4 million unintended pregnancies; prevent 3.2 million unsafe abortions; and save 21,000 maternal lives.
“The Nairobi Hub is more than a location – it's a commitment to drive lasting change through women-centred innovation," said Dr Nigina Muntean, Chief of Innovation and Transformation Branch at UNFPA. “Every dollar invested today unlocks exponential returns for future generations."
Nairobi's thriving ecosystem of health and tech innovators positions the WomenX Nairobi Hub as a key platform for scalable solutions. The Hub will unite research, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative financing strategies to accelerate progress toward gender equity in health systems worldwide.
The inauguration of the WomenX Nairobi Hub brings together funders, policymakers, and innovators to amplify evidence-based investment strategies; foster bold commitments to women's health; and catalyse cross-sector collaborations.
“The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with Kenya's mission to empower women and girls as the foundation of sustainable development," said Dr Mohamed Sheikh, Director General of NCPD and Inaugural Member of the WomenX Collective Steering Group.
“Africa CDC recognises that women's health is the backbone of strong health systems," added Dr Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, Regional Director of Africa CDC Eastern Africa RCC. “This Hub places African leadership at the forefront of innovation, ensuring women and girls are drivers of progress."
