Health

The Department of Health Services on Monday partnered with Kenya Medical Research Institute {KEMRI} to present preliminary findings from a countywide study on high-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) and cervical abnormalities among women attending five health facilities within the county.

High-risk strains of the Human papillomavirus are known to alter normal cells, potentially leading to cancer, most notably Cervical cancer.

The study’s findings point to a significant disease burden within the county.

According to the report, 24% of women tested were positive for high-risk HPV.

Nearly half of those with abnormal cervical findings also tested positive for hrHPV, emphasizing the strong link between HPV infection and cervical disease.

The study focused on Mbooni, Kibwezi, Sultan Hamud and Makindu Sub-County Hospitals, as well as Makueni County Referral Hospital, with a sample size of 1,106 women.

The investigation further identified high-risk HPV genotypes, including types 16 and 52, and revealed that younger women, particularly those aged between 14 and 24 years, recorded higher infection rates.

Beyond clinical data, the research uncovered critical social and health system gaps. While general awareness of cervical cancer exists, knowledge about HPV as the causative agent remains limited. Fear, stigma, and persistent misconceptions, such as concerns that vaccination may lead to infertility, continue to influence health-seeking behavior.

Speaking to healthcare workers at the Mother and Child Hospital, Ag. Director in charge of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Mwatha, reiterated the county’s commitment to strengthening both prevention and care.

He noted that the county is scaling up HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, integrating screening into routine services across all health facilities, enhancing community awareness through Community Health Promoters, and building the capacity of healthcare workers while ensuring adherence to national guidelines. KEMRI,RAMPUR.UP

Makueni County has continued to cement its reputation as a leader in digital health innovation, after hosting a high-level delegation from Kilifi County for a benchmarking visit focused on transformative healthcare solutions.

The team, received by Ag. Director Promotive and Preventive Dr. Stephen Mwatha on Tuesday, undertook a cross-learning mission at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, with particular interest in the implementation of Proximie,a cutting-edge technology that enables real-time transmission of surgical procedures.

Through Proximie, Makueni has redefined service delivery by allowing specialists to guide operations remotely, enhancing efficiency, facilitating skills transfer, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. The innovation has positioned the county at the forefront of smart healthcare solutions in the country.

During the visit, the delegation also examined key interventions implemented by the county, notably the solarization of the referral hospital. The initiative has significantly improved the reliability of power supply for critical services such as oxygen production, while at the same time reducing operational costs.

In the Maternal and Child Health unit, the team explored a range of integrated services tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These included youth-friendly centres, gender-based violence response services, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes, and flexible care models designed to accommodate working patients.

The delegation further toured the maternity, newborn, and theatre units, where they observed a series of innovations shaping clinical care.

These included the use of Proximie in obstetric safe surgery, the adoption of kangaroo mother care for newborns, and the growing integration of digital solutions in routine medical practice.

The benchmarking mission brought together key stakeholders and partners, among them representatives from Safaricom Foundation, Council of Governors, Amref Health Africa, and the Proximie team.

The peer-to-peer engagement not only strengthened collaboration but also places the county as a trailblazer in digital health innovation. Amref Health Africa in KenyaCouncil of Governors-KenyaSafaricom FoundationKilifi County GovernmentGideon Maitha Mung’aro

Is your child overwhelmed by everyday sounds or textures? Have you encountered children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who struggle to cope with their surroundings?

Families in Makueni may now have a reason for hope, as public health facilities step up efforts to support children facing sensory processing challenges through strengthened rehabilitation services.

Sensory processing, how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses, plays a critical role in a child’s development.

When this process is disrupted, it can affect behavior, learning, and daily functioning. Recognizing this, the Makueni County Department of Health Services has intensified interventions within its rehabilitation units to better support affected children.

In a significant boost to these efforts, the department on Friday partnered with Kenyatta National Hospital to conduct a comprehensive training session for county therapists. The session focused on sensory integration techniques as well as the proper installation and maintenance of specialized therapeutic equipment.

The training forms part of a broader strategy to promote evidence-based practice among healthcare providers, ensuring that children receive effective, safe, and consistent care across county facilities.

According to Mikie Baron, a clinical Occupational Therapist and a brand ambassador at Kenyatta National Hospital, sensory interventions in occupational therapy involve carefully designed activities that help individuals, especially children process sensory information more efficiently.

This, in turn, improves emotional regulation, concentration, and overall daily functioning.

During the sensitization forum, stakeholders identified the establishment of a sensory gym as a top priority for county health facilities.

The proposed facility would provide a safe and structured environment for therapy, enabling individualized interventions and allowing children to explore sensory experiences in a controlled setting.

The Mother and Child Hospital in Wote is registering tremendous strides in improving outcomes for preterm babies, with significant gains recorded from July 2024 to date.

According to the Head of the Newborn Unit, Francisca Kisilu, the introduction and consistent use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines has been a major contributor to these positive outcomes.

The machines support breathing in preterm infants, many of whom are born with underdeveloped lungs.

Preterm babies often lack sufficient surfactant, a substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing, making them highly vulnerable to respiratory complications. CPAP machines help keep the air sacs (alveoli) open during breathing and also support the production of surfactant, thereby stabilizing the infants’ respiratory function.

In addition, the Ministry of Health 2023 rollout of Caffeine Citrate, an essential drug used in management of apnea of maturity, has further strengthened neonatal care.

The Nurse in Charge of the Mother and Child Hospital, Christine Muteria, notes that the drug was initially not readily available. However, its consistent supply has since improved care outcomes.

In addition the county got donations of 22000 vials from Clinton Health Access Initiative

Francisca also commends the impact of the drug in reducing mortality rates, explaining that it is administered to babies born before 34 weeks of gestation.

She also highlights the role of infusion and syringe pumps, which have made it easier for neonatal nurses to administer intravenous fluids accurately and efficiently.

Efforts to improve maternal nutrition have equally played a key role. The county has prioritized nutritional screening for expectant mothers during antenatal care (ANC), with those meeting specific criteria receiving fortified blended flour for porridge, alongside other supplements.

According to Anncietta Nduku,a nutrition officer at the County Referral Hospital, these interventions have significantly contributed to better preterm outcomes, while also supporting further management in cases of preterm delivery.

To strengthen capacity, the county government procured five CPAP machines, six infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps. Additional support from Eni Kenya saw the facility receive two more CPAP machines, four infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps.

ENI Kenya also donated incubators, infrared light for Jaundiced babies and Neonatal ICU equipment

Francisca, a neonatal care champion, has also been instrumental in training nurses and clinicians on the effective use of CPAP machines.

She noted that cases of respiratory distress were previously high, but current data from the Makueni County referral Hospital -New born Unit shows that in 2024, survival rate was 81% and increased in 2025 by 10% , therefore recording a 90%.

In the first quarter of the calendar year,the facility is recording a survival rate of 98 %a significant decline in neonatal mortality rates at the facility.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director in charge of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, affirmed that Caffeine Citrate has remained consistently available in all delivery facilities across the county since its adoption as an essential component of preterm care by the Ministry of Health.

Makueni County has stepped up its fight against HIV and TB after CIHEB Kenya handed over a program vehicle to the Department of Health Services. The vehicle will strengthen outreach and boost service delivery as health programs shift to county-led, financed, and fully owned systems.

Chief Officer for Health, human resources management and administration Dr. Harvey Mulei Mbithi, received the vehicle under the Uzinduzi Project.

The handover comes at a critical moment as Kenya adjusts to changes in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding, safeguarding continued access to quality HIV care for communities.

The CIHEB team was led by Dr. Peter Kyalo, the program director PACT Imara project.

Makueni County’s maternal health model has been commended as a leading example in reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths at the International Maternal and Newborn Conference in Nairobi.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. , who delivered a keynote speech during the conference, said the county’s progress is driven by deliberate policies, strong political commitment, and community-based interventions focused on maternity and family units.

He highlighted the county’s emphasis on male involvement and strong family support systems as key to improving maternal health outcomes.

The governor noted that postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a major cause of maternal deaths in many regions, largely due to gaps in access to quality care. “Each death is a family permanently altered. This is not just a health issue—it is a leadership failure,” he said.

He called for practical reforms, including wider access to essential medicines, clear public health communication, and targeted action on key risk factors such as anaemia, poor nutrition, and pregnancy-related hypertension.

Makueni County was recognised for achieving zero deaths from PPH in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating the impact of its focused interventions.

The county is now expanding efforts to address other causes of maternal mortality, including hypertensive disorders, while strengthening antenatal and postnatal care services.