Culture stops women from delivering in hospital

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal (left) during the launch of second phase of Uzazi Salama programme in Samburu. Some mothers fear delivering in hospital due to cultural beliefs. [photo: file/standard]

During my recent tour of duty, I held informal discussions with colleagues looking for research topics on maternal and neonatal health. It emerged that there are still many factors hindering women from delivering in hospitals.

This is despite the fact that maternity services at most hospitals are now free. In Nyanza and Western, for instance, poverty, cultural practices and shortage of primary healthcare services are forcing women to seek the help of untrained traditional birth attendants, despite the serious risks involved.