MAKUENI FLAGS OFF MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on Thursday flagged off 7,200 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), each containing 180 tablets, for distribution to 13 selected health facilities across Makueni County under a pilot programme.
The beneficiaries include Makueni County Referral Hospital, seven sub-county hospitals, three health centres and two dispensaries.
Makueni becomes the first county in the country to pilot the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements programme with support from a consortium comprising Vitamin Angels, IDE and Helen Keller International.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony attended by healthcare workers and members of the public at the Mother and Child Hospital, Governor Mutula highlighted the case of a baby born weighing 800 grams about 50 days ago, who has since gained weight to one kilogram.
The governor described the pain mothers endure while caring for premature babies in hospital as unimaginable, saying the introduction of the supplements would help address prematurity and other complications associated with preterm births.
He noted that the programme would ease the burden on families, as expectant mothers receiving the supplements are likely to deliver healthier babies, reducing the cost of treatment for malnourished children.
Governor Mutula added that teenage mothers, who are among the groups most affected by preterm deliveries, also stand to benefit from the intervention.
The governor further highlighted several healthcare interventions his administration has introduced to address life-threatening conditions, including the use of heat-stable carbetocin medication to prevent excessive bleeding among women after delivery.
He also noted that Makueni County Referral Hospital is now treating hydrocephalus, a condition in which babies are born with excess fluid in the brain.
Previously, patients had to seek treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, but through a specialised clinic established by the county and the employment of a neurosurgeon, treatment is now available within Makueni.
Governor Mutula said his administration remains committed to improving healthcare services and pledged to continue working with development partners to advance the county’s development agenda.
