Cases of cerebral palsy on the decline in Naivasha

Governor Kinuthia Mbugua’s wife, Lucia Kinuthia (centre), and Naivasha MP John Kihagi’s wife, Jane Kihagi, interact with a minor admitted to the Naivasha sub-county referral hospital paediatric ward with cerebral palsy. [PHOTO: ANTONY GITONGA/STANDARD]

Cases of cerebral palsy at the Naivasha sub-county referral hospital are on the decline according to latest statistics from the facility.

The drop has been attributed to an increase in the number of women giving birth in hospitals compared to homes across the sub-county.

According to Naivasha sub-county Medical Officer Dr Oren Ombiro, free maternity provision has played a crucial role in reducing the cases.

Speaking to The Standard at his office on Tuesday, Dr Ombiro identified complications during pregnancy and child birth as some of the leading causes of cerebral palsy across the country.

“We are happy to report that cases of cerebral palsy are on the decline in the sub-county due to concerted efforts by various partners,” he said.

The doctor said at least 78 per cent of pregnant women are now delivering at public hospitals due to increased public awareness and Government’s introduction of free maternity.

“Cerebral palsy is a neglected disease usually caused by obstructed labor and pregnancy related issues and can be treated if detected early,” he said.

SPECIAL CARE

Last week while visiting the facility, Governor Kinuthia Mbugua’s wife, Lucia Kinuthia, said patients with cerebral palsy should be put in separate wards due to their condition.

“I will work together with the management of these hospitals to make sure that such patients are given the special care they need,” she said.

Hospital Superintendent in-charge Dr Joseph Mburu also revealed that latest statistics show a more than 80 per cent reduction in maternal deaths at the sub-county hospital in the last one year.

Dr Mburu said this can be, in part, attributed to an initiative that aims to reduce traditional births by paying the traditional birth attendants a fee for every case they refer to hospital.

“The traditional birth attendants are paid Sh300 for every delivery and we are working with donors to ensure we pay them this fee for every case they refer to us,” he said.