MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MATERNAL DEATHS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JHPIEGO

Makueni is ramping up efforts to eliminate maternal deaths through a strategic partnership with Jhpiego, focusing on reducing mortality and complications caused by postpartum hemorrhage,the leading cause of maternal fatalities.

In a meeting held in Wote on wednesday,key stakeholders convened to deliberate on effective interventions.

The forum brought together representatives from the County Community Health Strategy, County Reproductive Health teams, Sub-County Community Health Strategy focal persons, Health Promotion Officers, Community Health Assistants, chiefs, sub-chiefs, and religious leaders.

Their primary objective was to chart a clear path toward ending preventable maternal deaths.

Data from the county indicate significant progress in reducing maternal mortality.

In 2022, Makueni recorded 23 maternal deaths, 12 of which resulted from excessive bleeding. However, in 2023/2024, the numbers dropped to 11, signaling a positive trend.

Speaking at the meeting, health promotion officer Bretta Mutisya urged chiefs to work closely with community health promoters to ensure pregnant women receive proper antenatal care and are encouraged to deliver in health facilities.

Jhpiego’s Evaluation, Monitoring, and Research Manager, Fridah Nyaga, underscored the need for preparedness, particularly for expectant mothers in remote areas.

She advised that carrying misoprostol,a life-saving drug,could help prevent excessive bleeding if they deliver outside health facilities.

With these concerted efforts, Makueni is steadily advancing towards its goal of safer childbirth and zero maternal deaths, offering hope for expectant mothers across the region.