Makueni County’s efforts to combat maternal deaths received a major boost following the successful implementation of the Accelerating Measurable Progress and Leveraging Investments for Postpartum Hemorrhage Impact (AMPLI-PPHI) project.
The project’s achievements were highlighted on Thursday during a dissemination meeting held at Kusyombunguo Hotel, where stakeholders gathered to review progress, share implementation experiences, and discuss sustainability plans after the project’s closure.
The meeting, convened through a collaboration between the Department of Health Services and Jhpiego, was led by Country Director Paul Nyachae alongside the AMPLI-PPHI project team.
Supported by donor agency Unitaid, the programme has been implemented in Makueni since 2022 with the aim of accelerating adoption of innovative solutions to prevent and manage postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), one of the leading causes of maternal deaths globally.
Among the interventions introduced in the county include Heat Stable Carbetocin for prevention of PPH, calibrated drapes for accurate measurement of blood loss after childbirth, and the World Health Organization’s First Response Bundle for comprehensive PPH management.
Speaking during the meeting, Health Services County Executive Committee Member Joyce Mutua commended the project for significantly improving maternal health outcomes in the county.
She described Heat Stable Carbetocin as “a savior” in reducing maternal mortality, noting that Makueni had recorded zero maternal deaths in 2023 and 2024, with no maternal deaths reported so far in 2026.
Mutua said the county government had already taken steps to sustain the gains made through the project by procuring calibrated drapes, Heat Stable Carbetocin, Tranexamic acid and Misoprostol drugs used in prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage.
The project reached 36 health facilities across the county, where over 1,127 healthcare providers were trained to strengthen maternal healthcare skills and emergency response.
Additionally, 187 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), 57 community influencers, and 40 Area Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) were capacity-built, collectively reaching more than 137,983 residents with key maternal health messages.
Dr. Harvey Mulei noted that before the introduction of Heat Stable Carbetocin in Makueni, the drug was largely inaccessible due to its high cost and limited availability at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
He said the price had since dropped significantly from Sh2,700 to Sh95, making the lifesaving drug more affordable and accessible to health facilities.
Paul Nyachae, acknowledged Makueni’s leadership and collaboration in propelling the innovations in the county and beyond.
