Bill Gates and co launch R9bn fund for maternal, newborn health in sub-Saharan Africa

As countries in Africa were left reeling after the US made major cuts to health aid, a new initiative is offering some relief.

Philanthropists led by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates have launched a R9 billion fund ($500 million) aimed at improving the survival of mothers and newborns in sub-Saharan Africa.

RELATED: USAID cuts rip through African health care systems

The 'Beginnings Fund' plans to deploy the money over the next five years to help save more than 300,000 lives and provide quality care for 34 million women and newborns across the region, reports media platform Devex.

While sub-Saharan Africa has made progress in curbing its maternal death rate, the region still accounts for 70% of maternal deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Stephen Grootes discusses the maternal health funding initiative with Africa business specialist Rutendo Hwindingwi.

"We know that the big issue with aid in Africa was always how it was implemented, and the long-term results... but these funders claim that the approach they're using now is different to what was traditionally used."

Rutendo Hwindingwi, Founding Director - Tribe Africa Advisory

"The WHO's recommended ratio of doctors to patients is one to 1,000 but in African it's one to 10,000 so there's a big gap from a healthcare perspective." 

Rutendo Hwindingwi, Founding Director - Tribe Africa Advisory

"Any help will do, but the question is it has to be sustainable... and hopefully this investment will take us that way."

Rutendo Hwindingwi, Founding Director - Tribe Africa Advisory

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the Africa Business Focus (aid discussion at 3:35)