Experts alarmed over high maternal deaths during childbirth

Alarm over surge in maternal deaths in Kilifi. [Courtesy]

An estimated 81 women died in the last one and a half years in Kilifi County as a result of childbirth complications, according to statistics released by county health officials. 

In the past five months alone, Kilifi has recorded 44 maternal deaths with 312 infant deaths, sparking fears of a worsening crisis if no timely action is taken. 

According to Kilifi County Primary Healthcare Coordinator Edward Mumbo, at least 312 newborns died as a result of newborn asphyxia and premature birth. 

Mumbo also raised concern over the alarming increase in neonatal deaths, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard the lives of infants.

''Since last July to yesterday, we lost 44 mothers, and it's spread to all sub-counties. ' We need to come up with various interventions to handle this crisis," Mumbo said.

Excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, and infections, prematurity, birth asphyxia and infections in newborns were named as one of the preventable leading causes of death.

Further, the primary healthcare coordinator said that teenage pregnancies in the county had dropped to 12.5 per cent.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ forum, Kilifi deputy governor Flora Chibule said most of the deaths are due to delays in accessing antenatal care services.

''We are calling for intervention right from the village administration. ' We must be the bigger brothers,' Chibule said.

Other stakeholder Christine Mvurya said many women still report to hospitals very late during pregnancy or labour, and this delay is proving fatal.

She said that despite the availability of maternal health services in local hospitals and health centres, a large number of women, particularly in remote areas, do not attend clinics early enough or frequently.

Mvurya also pointed out that lack of awareness, cultural beliefs and poverty are among the major contributing factors keeping expectant mothers away from hospitals.

“Some women, when referred to hospitals for specialised check-ups, fail to go due to financial constraints. They wait until the time of delivery when complications arise, often resulting in tragedy,” she said.

She stressed that many of the cases could be avoided if expectant mothers received proper antenatal care and followed through with referrals for further medical attention.

She also said that several pregnant women miss out on vital vitamin supplements, such as iron and folic acid, due to irregular clinic visits.

Mvurya said the situation often leads to preventable underlying health conditions like severe anaemia, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes, all of which increase the risk of complications during delivery.

Muwera Kazungu, a community stakeholder, urged the community, especially pregnant women, to begin antenatal clinic visits as early as possible, ideally within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

She noted that early attendance allows healthcare providers to monitor the health of both the mother and the unborn child, identify risks, and provide crucial supplements and preventive care.

In addition, she emphasised that access to maternal health services is not a luxury or optional intervention but a vital and mandatory process to safeguard the lives of both mother and baby. She added that pregnancy and childbirth come with unpredictable risks, regardless of whether it’s a first-time or experienced mother.

“Giving birth is not something one can be fully prepared for just by experience. Every pregnancy is unique and may present different challenges,” she said.

Persistent socioeconomic divides, health worker shortages, weak referral systems, and inequitable financing further hold back progress.

The stakeholders highlighted that behind the county’s maternal mortality statistics lies a hidden driver - unintended pregnancies.

They emphasised that without addressing access to contraception and prevention, maternal deaths will remain unacceptably high.