Delayed launch of clinical guidelines causing needless deaths

The guidelines on the clinical management of the big five causes of maternal mortality were designed in recognition of years of evidence-based research. [iStockphoto]

In my earliest years as a health activist, I would often ask Joseph Karanja, a seasoned obstetrician gynecologist from University of Nairobi, if I could attend his practicum training for nurses and clinical officers.

Prof Karanja indulged my curiosity most times and allowed me, a lawyer with no medical background, to quietly sit at the back and observe. He was generous with his knowledge, and I was given my own sample pawpaw or watermelon to cut for demonstrations.