Sh7 million to cut maternal deaths in Kajiado

Expectant mothers in remote areas in Kajiado County will benefit from a Sh7 million project geared towards reducing mother and child deaths during birth.

Run by African Development Emergency Organisation (ADEO) under the European Union, the project has already seen more than 150 motorcycles and more than 200 bicycles to ensure expectant Maasai women receive skilled delivery.

The bikes will facilitate the health officers access remote parts of the county and help mothers deliver safely.

Unskilled midwives

This mode of transport will also enable expectant women get to hospitals in good time as most places are unnavigable by motor vehicles.

Handing over 25 motorcycles and 50 bicycles donated to the county government on Saturday, ADEO Africa Director Bernard Wesonga said the help was to ensure all expectant mothers receive skilled delivery to reduce mother and child mortality during birth.

''Most deaths occur during delivery as the expectant mothers are attended to by unskilled village midwives. It is high time we reduced the mother and child mortality rate in Kajiado County to zero as anticipated globally,'' said Mr Wesonga

Locals lauded the project saying they have suffered a lot in the past as hospitals are far apart and roads are impassable.

Seek help

''It has been hard for us and we have lost many women and their babies during delivery. We hope the aid shall ease our suffering in the villages,'' said John Ole Sironka, a resident.

Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye said mother and child mortality has been rampant in the area and challenged expectant women not to hide in the village but seek skilled help during delivery.

Mr Nkedianye said his government is dedicated to ensure no mother or child in the county dies during birth.

''We shall work with all health stakeholders to ensure no mother or child dies in the county during delivery,'' he said.