How public sensitization forums are solving Magadi's maternal mortality

Maternal and infant mortality rates have reduced significantly in the last five years in the rural part of Magadi region, Kajiado West Sub-county.

Magadi Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Raymond Birya said this can be attributed to the fact that more expectant mothers are embracing hospital births

Dr Birya said over the years, expectant mothers were left in the hands of village midwives in line with the native's rigid culture and beliefs prompting many cases of mother-infant deaths during childbirth.

However, despite national and global efforts to improve maternal health, Kenya still ranks poorly in the latest ranking by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The country ranks among the top five African countries with the highest rates of maternal mortality, a statistic that casts a long shadow over the country's health policies.

Data from the Health Ministry indicates that Kenya's maternal mortality rate is 414/100,000 live births.

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This figure is far from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target, which aims to reduce the global average to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

"Since 2000, remarkable progress has been made on maternal mortality, with a 42 per cent reduction in USAID's 25 priority countries. While Kenya made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, it still falls short of the World Health Organisation (WHO) target," read part of a report released last week.

According to the report, the challenge is particularly acute in 15 of Kenya's 47 counties, which account for a staggering 98.7 per cent of all maternal deaths in the country.

These high-burden regions face a complex web of challenges, including poverty, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and historical marginalisation.

The Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 6,300 women die each year during pregnancy and childbirth in Kenya, a tragic toll that underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare services.

But fortunately, for Magadi, different health stakeholders have stepped up safe birth sensitisation forums a notch higher resulting in dozens of women seeking services from Magadi Hospital.

A spot-check by the Standard established that several expectant mothers from far-flung areas are now flocking to the facility.

The 55-bed capacity modern health facility owned by Tata Chemicals Magadi attends to at least 23 inpatient cases, 100 outpatient cases daily.

Several beneficiaries told The Standard that the hospital has reduced mother-child deaths during birth that were common previously.

"In the past, expectant mothers bore the major brunt of home deliveries in the hands of traditional midwives forcing us to accept and embrace hospital births," Said Ms Jennifer Nanto.

Dr Raymond Birya said the hospital at least 153 inpatient monthly admissions and 21 deliveries.

He said although the majority have not been to school, stakeholder engagements have played a key role in ensuring that the mothers follow up on their child’s vaccination calendar.

"Maternal mortality has reduced to almost zero. The facility is keen on child welfare clinics and sensitisation programs on the importance of hospital births. Mothers are now keen on children's immunization calendar," affirmed Dr Birya.

To him, the facility is a "saviour" for the poor residents who initially depended on traditional medicine.

"Tata Chemicals Magadi has brought medical services close to people on subsidized rates. We have cases of the company footing bills of extremely needy patients," he said.

Dr Birya however noted that the use of contraceptives, sensitization to preventive diseases and nutrition are said to be a major challenge to the locals.