Governor Ntutu steps up bid to curb maternal, child mortality

Governor Patrick ole Ntutu (in grey suit) during a past event. [File, Standard]

Narok County government has rolled out initiatives to reduce maternal and child mortality.

Governor Patrick ole Ntutu's administration has embarked on the expansion of maternity units, expansion and equipping of a New Born Unit (NBU), capacity building of health workers, and strengthening of community health systems.

Speaking during an inspection of the construction of Tororek dispensary maternity wing in Kilgoris Central Ward on Tuesday, Ntutu said this was aimed at preventing neonatal deaths.

The governor emphasized the importance of expectant mothers attending antenatal clinics and delivery in the hospital.

"Due to the sustained interventions, maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the county have significantly reduced, " he said.

He noted that all births now occur under the care of healthcare workers, compared to about 60 per cent in the past.

Ntutu said limited access to affordable healthcare services due to financial constraints remains a significant challenge.

“To achieve development, investing in health and removing financial barriers to healthcare is therefore imperative," he said.

"By addressing health financing issues and optimizing investments, we can enhance access to maternal healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations, thereby mitigating poverty," he added.

The governor said Tororek dispensary maternity wing will benefit residents of Tororek, Pimbiniet, Oronkai, and Lakwenyi villages.

Mothers from these regions are forced to travel several kilometers to Kilgoris town to access maternity services.

Earlier, the governor officially opened the newly constructed maternity wing at Nganayia dispensary and inspected the Kilgoris Level Four hospital.

He was accompanied by area MCA Leina Morintat, his Kimintet counterpart Samwel ole Wuantai, and Lands Chief Officer Leshan Torkosh among others.