By Faith Anene, Kakamega
In a significant step to combat maternal deaths linked to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the County government of Kakamega has launched an initiative aimed at saving lives during childbirth.
The move comes in response to the alarming statistics showing that approximately 5,000 maternal deaths occur annually in Kenya, with PPH being the leading cause, according to the Ministry of Health.
Despite notable improvements in maternal healthcare, the Ministry of Health reports that 14 women still die each month from complications during childbirth. This continues to cast a shadow over Kenya’s reproductive health sector, with some counties suffering disproportionately high maternal mortality rates.
Dr Edward Serum, Head of Reproductive and Maternal Health at the Ministry of Health, recently highlighted that counties such as Tana River, Garissa, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Machakos, Homa Bay, Siaya, Wajir, Kilifi, Murang’a, Makueni, Migori, and Turkana report the highest maternal deaths, largely due to excessive bleeding after childbirth.
PPH, defined as the loss of at least 500ml of blood within 24 hours of delivery, affects about 5 per cent of all women worldwide, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In a bid to address this crisis, the county government has partnered with the Lwala Community Alliance, a non-governmental organization focused on reducing maternal mortality. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the county’s efforts to prevent PPH-related deaths.
“Ending PPH is achievable if we all work together. Kakamega County has adopted various strategies, including equipping our health facilities with Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (Nasgic), providing mentorship programs for health workers, and conducting joint monitoring and evaluation,” ~ Mukabane
At a signing ceremony held at the Kakamega County General Hospital, Julius Mbeya, CEO of Lwala Community Alliance, praised the county’s proactive stance on maternal health. “It is a privilege to be here in Kakamega today. The signing of this MoU marks a major milestone in our shared commitment to ending PPH, a leading cause of maternal deaths globally,” Mbeya said.
He highlighted that Kakamega is making significant strides in reducing maternal deaths. “Unlike other counties grappling with high maternal mortality, Kakamega has made tremendous progress, with 90 per cent of nurses in the county well-trained and equipped to manage safe deliveries,” he added.
Peninah Mukabane, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, acknowledged the partnership with Lwala Community Alliance, emphasizing that collaboration is key in the fight against PPH.
“Ending PPH is achievable if we all work together. Kakamega County has adopted various strategies, including equipping our health facilities with Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (Nasgic), providing mentorship programs for health workers, and conducting joint monitoring and evaluation,” Mukabane said
She added: “With these strategic measures and a reinforced healthcare system, Kakamega County is positioning itself as a leader in maternal health,”
