In a bid to reduce maternal and child mortality in Kenya, the government has made a commitment to establish a new mother and baby wing, which will benefit the residents of Nakuru. The completion of the ongoing construction of the new wing at the Nakuru level 5 hospital is hoped to be a game changer in decreasing maternal and child mortality rates in the area.
President William Ruto led a visit to the wing on Monday, along with DP Rigathi Gachagua, Health CS Susan Wafula, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, and Medical Services PS Peter Tum. The specialized outpatient wing can serve more than 3,000 people each day, and it is being hailed as a significant step forward in delivering efficient healthcare services to the community.
According to a statement from the ministry, “the outpatient wing will enable ongoing service availability and a timely response to population health demands.” The government emphasized the need to invest in healthcare infrastructure to meet Kenyans’ health demands, stating that the completion of the new wing would have a positive impact on maternal and child health.
Kenya has experienced a decrease in newborn deaths, with 27,000 anticipated in 2021 compared to 34,000 in 2000, according to the most recent UN study. The neonatal death rate is now at 27% per 1,000 live births, while infant mortality is at 28%, down from 65% in 1990, as per the research. However, the major causes of avoidable fatalities among children under five years of age include preterm birth and birth complications such as birth asphyxia/trauma, acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, and malaria, according to the research.
The government’s initiative to establish a new mother and infant wing will provide better access to medical services, particularly for expectant mothers, in the region. As per reports, the specialized wing has been established to meet the growing demand for maternal and child health services in Nakuru.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has welcomed the move, saying that the new wing will provide much-needed support for mothers and babies in the area. She expressed her gratitude to the government and its partners for their unwavering support towards improving healthcare infrastructure and services in the region.
Health CS Susan Wafula, speaking at the event, stated that the government is committed to reducing maternal and child mortality in the country, and this new initiative is a step towards achieving that goal. She also urged Kenyans to prioritize their health and seek medical assistance whenever necessary.
DP Rigathi Gachagua, while addressing the gathering, urged the hospital’s management to ensure that the new wing is well-maintained and that the services provided are of the highest quality. He also pledged to work with other leaders in the area to ensure that the hospital receives the necessary resources and support to continue providing quality healthcare services to the people of Nakuru.
The launch of the new mother and infant wing at the Nakuru level 5 hospital is expected to have a significant impact on maternal and child health in the region. By providing better access to healthcare services, the government hopes to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, and ensure that more mothers and babies receive the care they need to thrive.
