Health

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH AT UNOA GROUNDS

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with the MPESA Foundation, Zuri Health, and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, has launched a comprehensive medical outreach program at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The initiative is offering a range of medical services, including general check-ups, dental care, eye screening, breast cancer screening, and HPV vaccination for girls aged ten to 14 years.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili commended the impact of the medical camp, noting the positive difference it was making in the lives of Makueni residents.

Health ECM, Dr. Paul Musila underscored the county’s ongoing collaboration with the MPESA Foundation, citing key projects such as the construction and equipping of the Tawa Maternity Wing at a cost of Ksh 28 million, the upgrade of Mutulani Dispensary at Ksh 17 million, and the construction of the Sultan Hamud Maternity Wing at Ksh 60 million.

He further noted that patients with complex cases are being referred to the county referral hospital for specialized care.

MPESA Foundation Program Manager, Sophiah Onyango, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming lives, with a strong focus on maternal and child health.

She emphasized that their support extends beyond the medical camp, as they continue to follow up with patients to ensure they receive proper care.

The outreach program has attracted a large number of residents.

ONGOING FREE CANCER SCREENINGS:TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

Breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer screenings are still underway at the designated venues, as outlined in the schedule below.

The screenings will continue on the same dates, providing a vital opportunity for early detection and intervention.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative and prioritize their health by undergoing timely screening.

Early detection saves lives,let’s take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

Check the table below for venue details and make your way to the nearest screening center.

30 PWDS RECEIVE WHEELCHAIRS IN MBOONI AS PARTNERS PUSH FOR INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with Jain Social Group,and Kiteta Kisau MCA Hon. Darius Mainga on Monday donated 30 wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities (PWDs) at Mbooni Sub-County Hospital.

This marks the second phase of the initiative, following an earlier distribution of 50 wheelchairs.

The partners have now set their sights on reaching 100 more beneficiaries, reaffirming their commitment to empowering PWDs through mobility support.

Beyond wheelchair donations, the organization has pledged to fully equip the Ngaa Health Facility as part of broader development efforts in the ward.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource lauded the collaboration, emphasizing the life-changing impact of the donations.

He also took the opportunity to sensitize the public on the importance of registering for the Social Health Authority to enhance access to healthcare services.

FREE MEDICAL CAMP ALERT

Join us on 22nd February 2025 from 9 AM to 5 PM at Unoa Grounds for a FREE Medical Camp! Get access to essential healthcare services at no cost.

• Venue: Unoa Grounds

•Time: 9 AM – 5 PM

•Services Available: General check-ups, breast cancer screenings,dental check up,eye clinic,and more!

Spread the word and bring your family and friends! Your health matters. See you there!

KIBWEZI LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL HOSTS FIRST-EVER MATERNITY OPEN DAY TO BOOST MATERNAL HEALTH

In a step towards achieving zero maternal mortality, Kibwezi Level 3 Hospital hosted its first-ever Maternity Open Day on valentine day,a milestone event dedicated to celebrate mothers and newborns while promoting reproductive health, family planning, safe delivery, and postnatal self-care.

The event, which attracted 250 women aged 18-45, grouped participants into antenatal cohorts of 30-40 based on their gestation periods, ensuring targeted and effective engagement.

According to Dr. Kakundi Blustus, medical superintendent of Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital, the hospital has achieved an impressive 90% hospital delivery rate, thanks to focused maternal health initiatives.

During the event, Patricia Mutinda, the hospital’s Nursing Officer, distributed diapers to the attendees while commending lactating mothers and expectant women for their proactive participation.

She also applauded midwives, who have emerged as key hospital ambassadors by shifting from traditional midwifery to modern healthcare practices.

Dr. Kakundi urged transformed midwives and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to remain vigilant in monitoring pregnant women, emphasizing that consistent follow-ups are crucial for ensuring timely antenatal clinic visits throughout all trimesters.

MAKUENI CONCLUDES LANDMARK MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM

Makueni County, in partnership with Nutrition International, has successfully concluded the Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (MNCAHN) program, which has been in implementation since 2020.

The multi-faceted initiative aimed at scaling up cost-effective, high-impact nutrition interventions while strengthening the foundation for sustainable nutrition programming.

Through this collaboration, the county effectively rolled out various interventions outlined in the Makueni County Action Plan (2020-2023).

One of the program’s key milestones was the development of the Makueni County Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2024, which is now awaiting cabinet approval before presentation to the county assembly for adoption.

Additionally, the county introduced Kangaroo Mother Care Centers in six hospitals to enhance the management of preterm and underweight infants among other achievements.

The program boosted maternal and child health indicators. Notably:

115% of pregnant women attended at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit, surpassing the annual target.

68% of expectant mothers completed four or more ANC visits.

95% of pregnant women received iron and folic acid supplementation.

84% of births were assisted by skilled healthcare providers.

78% of newborns received clean cord care using Chlorhexidine (CHX).

Speaking during the program’s closeout meeting on Friday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged other departments to collaborate with the Health Department to integrate nutrition services and expand their reach.

She was accompanied by County Assembly Health Committee Chair Hon. Jackson Mbalu, as well as Finance and Health Services CECs Damaris Kavoi and Dr. Paul Musila.

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.

NEW KSH 45 MILLION LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE IN NGAAKAA-TWAANDU

Over 8,000 residents of Ngaakaa-Twaandu in Makindu Ward are set to benefit from an upcoming state-of-the-art Level 3 hospital, thanks to a KSh 45 million investment by World Vision Kenya.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside the World Vision Kenya team, led the groundbreaking ceremony of phase one of the project on Tuesday.

The facility, backed by Mountain Blue Foundation, will feature a mother and child block, a modern maternity wing, a fully equipped laboratory, an administration block, procedure rooms, a pharmacy, and a records office.

Additionally, the project includes the installation of solar energy to power the facility, procurement of essential medical equipment, and implementation of the Kiboko-Twaandu water project to enhance access to clean water.

Beyond healthcare, World Vision Kenya is implementing a water project in Kitise, where 10,000 residents will benefit from the Kwa-Kamaso water project, implemented in partnership with the county government.

To further improve livelihoods, the organization will distribute 250-liter water tanks to local households, supply solar lamps to over 4,000 registered school children in the area, and empower lead farmers through training on Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES CONDUCTS INTEGRATED HEALTH OUTREACH IN KITISE

The Department of Health Services, in collaboration with World Vision Kenya and Mountain Blue Foundation, on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive integrated health outreach programme in Ngunguuni, Kitise-Kithuki Ward.

Hundreds of residents turned up for the free medical camp, which offered essential healthcare services, including cancer screening, HPV vaccination, diabetes management, and nutrition services.

Leading the initiative, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged locals to prioritize their health by seeking regular medical check-ups.

She reaffirmed the County’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and assured that similar outreach programmes would be rolled out across different parts of the County.

MAKUENI SET TO REVOLUTIONIZE WOMEN’S HEALTH WITH CUTTING-EDGE LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY.

Makueni County is set to collaborate with the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) and Women in Development to enhance maternal, newborn, and child health services across the County.

This partnership comes amid rising neo-natal mortality rates in Makueni, currently standing at 26 % of deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare interventions.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday hosted officials from Women in Development Initiative, FIGO, (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) and the Centre for Reproductive Health, where discussions centered on eliminating preventable maternal deaths, reducing neonatal and child mortality, and addressing adolescent pregnancies.

According to Prof. Beatrice Kihara, the lead champion of the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative, at least 90% of pregnant women should attend a minimum of four antenatal care (ANC) visits, while 90% of births should be assisted by skilled healthcare professionals.

Further, she emphasized that 80% of mothers and newborns require early postnatal and essential newborn care for optimal health outcomes.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr , an advocate for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), stressed the importance of nutrition for expectant mothers and infants.

The new partnership is expected to strengthen healthcare systems and improve the well-being of mothers and children across Makueni.