Maternity wing in Sh150m project now ready for use

At least 86,000 women and children under five are expected to benefit from the programme. [James Omoro, Standard]

A modern maternity wing has been constructed at the Ndhiwa Sub-county hospital in Homa Bay County.

The facility is part of a Sh150 million Uzazi Salama programme that aims to promote maternal healthcare.

At least 86,000 women and children under five in Ndhiwa and Suba sub-counties are expected to benefit from the programme.

Uzazi Salama is an initiative by M-Pesa Foundation, in collaboration with PharmAccess Africa, AMREF Health Africa, Action Aid, Pathfinder International and Homa Bay County government.

It is aimed at strengthening the county’s health systems to support delivery of quality reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent healthcare.

“Every mother and new-born child deserves an equal chance of survival during the childbirth process,” said Les Baille, the M-Pesa Foundation Executive Director.

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti said Ndhiwa and Suba sub-counties had several challenges, putting them in need of proper maternal healthcare. 

“We are still battling teenage pregnancies, especially during childbirth, because biologically, their bodies are not ready to welcome a child. This partnership will not only educate on safe sex and childbirth, but also to reduce maternal and child deaths,” said Awiti.