KISUMU: The County Government has entered into partnership with traditional birth attendants to help reduce the number of expectant mothers delivering babies at home. The midwives will receive Sh200 for every mother referred to a medical facility.
Home deliveries are risky and are the cause of the high number of infant deaths. Health authorities said home deliveries had become increasingly risky, with still births or deaths on the rise, hence the decision to actively involve the traditional midwives.
According to Kisumu Health Chief officer Ojwang Lusi, the county has embarked on massive training of health workers to promote hospital deliveries.
"We want people to deliver at the health institutions and not in homes," said the medic. Dr Ojwang said to improve the overall health of women and children, continuity of care is necessary throughout the life cycle as well as between places of care giving. This, he said, created need for emphasis on skilled birth attendants. The Standard established that health authorities have resolved to reward traditional midwives with a token for every mother they refer to the health facilities. The authorities also assured women of improved maternal healthcare.