Departments

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 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.

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).

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.