Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap Launched Uzima Program
The new $100 million global initiative aims to halve annual stillbirth rates over the next decade.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Pregnancy
The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap have joined forces to tackle the global burden of stillbirth, which impacts nearly 2 million babies annually. The new Uzima program will deploy $100 million in funding to identify and scale life-saving diagnostic technologies.
Why it matters
Stillbirth prevention has long been overlooked and underfunded in maternal health innovation, despite a stillbirth occurring every 17 seconds worldwide. This program seeks to bridge that gap by integrating advanced diagnostic tools directly into existing healthcare systems.
The Uzima program includes a $100 million commitment, with both the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap contributing $50 million each. The initiative aims to reduce global stillbirth rates by 50% over the next decade.
The players
Gates Foundation
A global nonprofit dedicated to reducing extreme poverty and improving global health through research and infrastructure grants.
Wellcome Leap
An organization focused on accelerating breakthroughs in human health through high-risk, high-reward research and development programs.
The details
The program works by identifying and validating technological innovations such as AI-enabled ultrasound and diagnostic tools that help health workers detect complications earlier. Participating countries will integrate these validated tools into their established health systems to improve monitoring and maternal care outcomes during pregnancy.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap announced the Uzima initiative.
Next 3 years: The program will focus on identifying and validating promising innovation candidates.
Early 2027: The program expects to identify an initial package of innovations.
Next decade: The program targets a 50% reduction in global stillbirth rates.
The Home Front
This initiative represents a significant shift toward prioritizing maternal health outcomes that were historically absent from international health funding. It follows a growing pattern of investment in localized, tech-enabled diagnostic tools to replace outdated systems.
Families can stay informed on global maternal health improvements by following updates from health ministries regarding new prenatal diagnostic standards. If you are pregnant or planning, speak with your healthcare provider about available screening tools and local standards for pregnancy monitoring.
The takeaway
The Uzima program marks a major commitment to addressing a silent crisis affecting millions of families annually. Expect further announcements regarding participating country partners in the coming months as the program rolls out its initial phase.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in prenatal care and maternal wellness in our Pregnancy section.
