Maternal deaths greatly reduced

The county government health department is following the National Maternal and Newborn Health Road Map launched by the Government in 2010 to accelerate reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality rates.

According to statistics released by the county government, and seen by The Standard, there has been a drastic reduction in the number of maternal deaths.

The data is based on a survey commissioned by the county government and carried out between June to November 2014 across all county health facilities.

"Maternal deaths are now at an average of 2 per 2,000 deliveries or 100 per 100,000 deliveries," county Chief Officer for Health, Dr Robert Ayisi told The Standard.

This achievement has, however, not been without its challenges as Governor Dr Evans Kidero says more human resource and facilities are needed in under-developed areas to enable them offer residents better services.

RENOVATED FACILITIES

"We are engaging all local leaders and international partners as well as planning for a county referral (level Four). We have also embarked on training staff on referral guidelines," Dr Kidero told The Standard.

This improvement in maternal health can be credited on the county's deliberate move to invest in projects that address challenges encountered by expectant mothers.

Several facilities have been renovated, with special focus given to maternity wings and intensive care units. The county has purchased three ambulances and four others have been donated by friends of the county.

"We have installed two theatres, one high dependency unit, an independent borehole, kitchen and catering at Pumwani Maternity Hospital at a cost of about Sh80 million. At Mbagathi Hospital, we have spent some Sh50 million on a 120 bed maternity, two new theatres and laboratory equipment," Dr Ayisi said.

Other facilities that the county government has revamped include Mutuini Hospital in Dagoretti, where the existing kitchen was turned into a 12-bed maternity ward at a cost of around Sh5 million.

MORE SPENDING

"We are also spending around Sh95 million on; Dandora II's new block and renovating maternity wing, Mathare North Health Centre, Embakasi dispensary, Mukuru kwa Njenga dispensary, Riruta dispensary and Karen dispensary. There is also an ongoing construction of a 66 bed capacity at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Kayole," he said.