Kisii records reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality rate.
Maternal and new-born mortality rate has drastically reduced in Kisii following a partnership with the county government, Jacaranda Health and ThinkWell organizations.
Kisii County Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo observed that since the partnership started in August 2022, maternal mortality ratio has significantly reduced by 30 percent from 159.17 to 110.66 while facility neonatal deaths rate have reduced from 13.7 percent from 9.4 percent to 8.11 percent.
Speaking during a reproductive health workshop that brought together stakeholders from Mombasa, Makueni and Kisii counties the DG complimented the partners for their initiatives that have saved lives of pregnant mothers, their unborn children and new-born babies.
The DG who was accompanied by the County Executive Committee member in charge of Health Ronald Nyakweba, his Chief Officer Caren Orori among other senior officers in the department of health said Governor Simba Arati is dedicated towards improving and strengthening healthcare services across the county as by his campaign manifesto.
"Under the able leadership of our Governor, we have improved our healthcare systems in terms of the workforce, physical facilities like oncology, antenatal and postnatal services among other infrastructure. We have promoted our health care workers to boost their morale so that they can effectively render their services to the public, “said the DG.
Kisii county Reproductive Health Coordinator Elizabeth Nyabicha highlighted that more than 20,000 pregnant mothers in the county have been reached through their digital health tool that Promotes Mothers during Pregnancy Through SMS (PROMPTS) since it was initiated about two years ago.
"I am happy to note that out of a target of 22565 pregnant mothers for PROMPTS, we have registered a total of 20763 mothers translating to a 92 percent enrolment. The platform helps expectant women and new mothers seek medical help at the right time to reduce and avoid maternal and neonatal mortality," said Ms Nyabicha.
The Kisii county Reproductive Health Coordinator said mothers get an opportunity to make inquiries through free SMS about their pregnancies, after care, and the appropriate care for their new-born children and thereafter they share feedback on the quality of services received.
The Jacaranda Country Director Dr. Job Makoyo explained that through the digital platform and the Kenya Quality Ecosystem (KQE), mothers are reminded about their upcoming prenatal and antenatal care.
Besides, they receive free educational messages with health information about possible threats to watch out during the period of pregnancy like abdominal pains and bleeding as well as the recommended care after delivery.
He announced that a total of 56,596 mothers from Kisii, Makueni and Mombasa counties have access to information about their antenatal and postpartum care and receive reminders about their clinic appointments.
"We have been able to rescue thousands of mothers who have experienced danger signs in the three counties by referring them to the right facilities. This is a milestone as it has greatly contributed towards the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality rate in our county," observed Dr. Makoyo adding that Jacaranda Health will continue with their mission of reaching more mothers across the country through their PROMPTS platform.
According to Dr. Makoyo, a total of 654 nurses have been trained in handling obstetrics emergencies.
Factors contributing to maternal and neonatal mortality include failure to attend antenatal clinics, premature delivery, unskilled delivery, delays in getting services and ignorance of danger signs and risk factors.
Ends.