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Zawya
13-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Day 2025: Putting Mothers and Newborns First in Kajiado, Kenya
On April 7, 2025, WHO Kenya joined hands with the Ministry of Health, Kajiado County leaders, health partners, and community members to mark World Health Day. The theme for this year is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures", focusing on efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritizing women's long term health and wellbeing. The event was led by Kajiado's Deputy Governor, Hon. Martin Moshisho Martine, who commended the strong partnership with WHO Kenya. In his remarks Deputy Governor, Martine highlighted the significant improvements the county has made in reproductive and maternal health. The county has increased service delivery points from 100 (in 2018) to 134 in 2025, resulting in the increase of immunization coverage for under one years from 78% to 95%. The skilled deliveries in a safe environment improved from 64% in 2018 to 83% in 2024. There was also an increase of enrolment for the Social Health Insurance, all of which have brought service closer to the mothers. 'We are proud of the progress made and ready to do even more,' he said. Ms. Patricia Wamala, speaking on behalf of WHO Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, reminded everyone that 'Investing in maternal and newborn health is not a cost—it's an investment in a healthier, more prosperous future.' She emphasized that the well-being of mothers and newborns is the foundation of healthy societies. 'Let's close the care gap and ensure every birth is safe and supported." Dr. Luigi D'Acquino, Chief of Health for UNICEF Kenya, also underscored his organization's commitment to the cause: 'UNICEF stands with WHO and the Ministry of Health to ensure every child's right to life is upheld. This year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health aligns with our core mission: protecting children's rights from the very beginning,' he said. As part of the event, WHO Kenya donated 50 Mama Kits and 50 Dignity Kits to enhance the facility's capacity to provide quality maternal and newborn services. Mama Kits contain essential items for mothers and newborns, while Dignity Kits support the hygiene needs of women and girls with items such as sanitary pads, soap, and personal care supplies. WHO Kenya staff also participated in cleaning the maternal and child health unit at the hospital, and interacted with mothers, health care workers and community members to listen and learn from their experiences. This World Health Day was not only a celebration - but also served as a moment to reflect on progress and reaffirm collective efforts toward building a healthier future for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Kenya.
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ministry of Health Reaffirms Commitment to Child Health at Kenya Paediatric Association Conference
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing child health in Kenya. Speaking during the opening of the Kenya Paediatric Association (KPA) Annual Scientific Conference in Mombasa, the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, called for stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in maternal and child health. Under the theme 'Shaping the Future: Collaborative Approaches to Child Health and Development,' Dr. Amoth underscored the urgency of addressing ongoing challenges. He noted that while progress has been made, Kenya continues to grapple with unacceptably high mortality rates. Neonatal mortality stands at 21 per 1,000 live births, infant mortality at 32 per 1,000, under-five mortality at 41 per 1,000, while maternal mortality remains high at 355 per 100,000 live births. 'These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real lives,' he said. 'We must renew our commitment to ensuring that no mother or child is left behind.' Dr. Amoth highlighted the Ministry's key priorities, including scaling up preventive interventions, ensuring skilled care during childbirth, improving access to essential services, and tackling the leading causes of child deaths such as malnutrition, malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea. He applauded the gains made under the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) program, a Ministry-led initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. Acknowledging global funding constraints, he appealed to development partners, the private sector, and local communities to strengthen their support for child health efforts. He stressed that child health is not solely a health sector issue but a national concern that requires a multisectoral approach. A key highlight of his remarks was the Ministry's ongoing rollout of Social Health Insurance (SHI), which aims to eliminate financial barriers to care and ensure equitable access to services, particularly for vulnerable populations. 'SHI is not just a policy shift; it is a national commitment to put people—especially our most vulnerable—at the center of healthcare,' he stated. Dr. Amoth urged healthcare professionals to lead with renewed energy and innovation to accelerate progress in newborn and maternal outcomes. He emphasized the critical role of the Kenya Paediatric Association in shaping systems that truly protect and empower children under the new health financing framework. As the conference continues, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure every child in Kenya has a healthy start and a hopeful future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Principal Secretary Muthoni discusses Community Health on Kameme TV
On the Rikiratha Show on Kameme TV, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, discussed key health issues affecting communities. She addressed the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse, its societal impact, and strategies for prevention and recovery. Emphasizing hygiene as vital for disease prevention, she highlighted simple practices like handwashing and proper waste disposal. The discussion also covered Social Health Insurance (SHA) as a critical step toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare. Additionally, she provided an update on Mpox, focusing on symptoms, prevention, and the importance of breaking stigma. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
