Philips, in collaboration with the Standard Group, has come up with an initiative to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Kenya, writes GARDY CHACHA

Four decades after independence, cases of maternal and infant mortality are still on the rise. It is for this reason that Philips, in partnership with the Standard Group and KTN, organised a panel discussion with experts, students, government representatives, private practitioners and parents to find solutions to improve mother and child care. This in an effort to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) four and five: Reducing by half the under-five mortality rate and reducing by three quarters maternal mortality ratio.

The discussion, which was aired on KTN on Wednesday, dwelt on better practices and ethics in healthcare with a focus on the health of mother and child.

Dr Isaack Bashir, the Director of Public Health in Kenya, represented the Government.

“The leading causes of infant deaths are sepsis and asphyxia (suffocation) in new-borns,” he said.

“Malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea mostly affect children under five, but the Government has had considerable success with diseases like malaria,” said Bashir.

According to Dr Anne Kihara, a gynaecologist in Nairobi, many mothers are not empowered and hence are not in charge of their reproductive health. “Is the woman ready to be pregnant? What is her health condition? How will she take care of herself during pregnancy?” she posed.

Statistics by Kenya Demographics Health Survey (KDHS) indicate that 92 per cent of Kenyan expectant women get ante-natal care. However, most of them seek medical check-ups late in their gestation period, which exposes them to many risks.

“Ante-natal clinics are supposed to be comprehensive. A mother should undergo proper analysis so that her state of health is assessed from the beginning of gestation, ” said Dr Kihara.

The private sector was represented by Dr Yamal Patel of Aga Khan University Hospital.

He argued: “For us to realise MDGs four and five, certain aspects of reproductive health have to change. Contraceptives are essential in maintaining family health. Quality and affordable contraceptives will go a long way in planning for pregnancies, child birth and rearing,” he said.

Kenyan women currently experience high unmet needs for family planning according to KDHS. In their survey, 46 per cent of married women are using contraceptives, though the total demand for family planning comprises 71 per cent of married women.

Exclusive breastfeeding

Studies have found a strong relationship between children’s chances of dying and certain characteristics, including mothers being either too young or too old or when children are born within very short intervals.

Lucy Muchiri, a midwife nurse, was also part of the panel.

“We need to educate mothers on their reproductive health. Taking care of the umbilical cord is important yet many take it for granted,” she said.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend that children be exclusively breastfed for six months after birth before weaning. It is advised that breastfeeding should continue for 24 months or more.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended because breast milk is uncontaminated and contains all the necessary nutrients. The mother’s antibodies in breast milk also provide immunity to diseases.

The general manager at Philips Healthcare Mr Peter Van de Ven said Philips has worked with governments before and they are open to partnerships that will ensure medical electronic gadgets and equipment are available in Kenyan hospitals.

Philips Africa is on its third consecutive annual Cairo-to-Cape Town road show 2012. The main focus of the road show is mother and childcare in support of the United MDGs four and five.

The panellists agreed that for maternal and infant health to be conserved, all stakeholders should be involved. This means mothers should understand their health and fathers should be present throughout the pregnancy. The Government should also equip hospitals and health professionals adhere to ethics and diligence. The goodwill of political leadership should also be fostered.

“Maternal and child health is supposed to be a continuum,” said Dr Kihara.