A new partnership between the United Nations Population Fund and the Britam Foundation is set to improve access to maternal and newborn care in parts of Kwale County and Nairobi.
The two organisations signed a deal this week that will see them roll out and expand a programme targeting pregnant women and newborn babies, especially those in underserved areas.
The move comes at a time when Kenya is still struggling with high numbers of maternal and newborn deaths. Every day, about 15 mothers and 92 newborns die from causes that can largely be prevented. In Kwale, the numbers are even higher, while in Nairobi, many families in informal settlements still face challenges accessing timely and quality care.
Under the plan, 20 public health facilities in the two counties will be supported to improve the services they offer. This includes better equipment and more support for health workers who handle maternity and newborn cases.
Medical staff will also undergo training, especially on how to deal with emergencies during childbirth. At the same time, the programme will introduce tools such as portable ultrasound machines to help detect complications early.
There will also be a focus on the community level. Community health promoters are expected to be supported so they can better reach families and guide them to health services.
Speaking during the signing, UNFPA’s Kenya representative Pilar de la Corte Molina said the partnership is meant to help address gaps that still exist in access to quality care.
On her part, Catherine Karita said the programme is about improving the lives of mothers and children and giving families a better chance.
The programme, which starts in Kwale and Nairobi, could later be expanded to other counties if it works well.
