High costs undermine Kenya's eight-visit pregnancy care

Kenya remains above its target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. [Courtesy]

For many pregnant women, completing the recommended eight antenatal care (ANC) contacts is not simply a question of knowing when to visit a health facility. The cost of transport, medical tests, medicines and other services can determine whether a mother returns for her next appointment or drops out of care.

Dr Lillian Otiso, Executive Director of Lvcthealth, says Kenya must address these financial barriers and improve the quality of maternal health services if more women are to complete the eight contacts recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).