Homa Bay, Garisa, Kwale and Mandera counties worst to be a new mother

Ending preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths.[ Courtesy, UNICEF] Recent data from the Ministry of Health shows that 26 counties have been flagged for high maternal mortality rates, far exceeding the national average of 355 deaths per 100,000 live births. The ministry's data identifies Garissa, Homa Bay, Kwale and Mandera as the worst-affected counties. Homa Bay has long been regarded as having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, with estimates often cited at around 516 deaths per 100,000 live births. Kwale also records high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, partly attributed to a high prevalence of home births, which account for up to 77.2 per cent in some areas. Mandera has historically reported exceptionally high maternal mortality, with figures exceeding 3,000 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014. Tana River records the highest stillbirth rate at 32 per 1,000 births, highlighting severe gaps in maternal care, while Nyandarua has the lowest rate. Garissa leads in facility-based maternal mortality rates, with risks exceeding 200 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to supply essential drugs to affected counties to save pregnant women. This comes amid revelations that the country is losing more than 90 newborns and 15 women every day during childbirth, with arid and semi-arid counties bearing the greatest burden. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the situation as worrying, noting that the government is prioritising the distribution of essential drugs to the affected regions. He said the ministry will convene meetings with the counties to chart a way forward in addressing the crisis. "The Ministry has identified 26 counties with a high burden of maternal deaths, and we have directed KEMSA to supply them with the necessary essential drugs," he said. Speaking in Naivasha after a meeting with Health CECs from all 47 counties, Duale announced that all community health promoters will, from the next financial year, be covered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). He described the promoters as critical to primary healthcare, adding that the ministry will first digitise their registration before enrolling them in the scheme. "From July this year, all community health promoters will be registered under SHIF as part of efforts to improve health services in the country," he said. On bed capacity, Duale warned that health facilities admitting patients beyond their capacity risk missing out on Social Health Authority (SHA) reimbursements. "We have been informed that some counties are performing poorly in SHA registration, and the Ministry is ready to roll out a mass registration campaign in the affected areas," he said. Council of Governors Director of Health Khatra Ali expressed concern over the rising number of maternal and infant deaths in the past two years. "Every day, the country loses 92 infants and 15 women during delivery. It is time we addressed this, including reinstating the Linda Mama programme, which was highly effective," she said. Chair of the CEC Health Caucus, Dr Kelvin Osuri, raised concerns over the growing number of teenage mothers who SHA does not cover. "These minors are not covered by any insurance, and their numbers are rising. They should be considered under SHA, just like community health promoters," he said.

Homa Bay, Garisa, Kwale and Mandera counties worst to be a new mother

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Homa Bay, Garisa, Kwale and Mandera counties worst to be a new mother

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