The County Government of Murang’a has offered thousands of expectant women a rare treat for regularly attending ante-natal clinics.
The would be mothers were given an assortment of material support dubbed Mama-kits from the devolved administration for keeping their dates with the clinics without fail for at least six sessions during their pregnancy.
On Wednesday, the county department of health issued more than 2, 500 Mama-kits to registered mothers at various health facilities in all 35 wards across the county.
According to the county nursing officer Salome Kimani, the maternal health initiative aims at reducing maternal and child mortality by encouraging mothers to attend at least six ante-natal clinics.
She observed the county government establishing maternal health support after it was realized some mothers still opt to deliver at homes thus endangering their lives and that of their infants.
“Health workers have visited local health facilities and rewarded mothers who complete these clinics with Mama-kits which contain essentials for childcare including a thermometer, Baby shawl, Baby jelly, Diapers, basins and other crucial items.” Said Ms Kimani.
The programme which was established last year, the Nursing Officer noted it encourages and supports mothers to deliver in health facilities so as to ensure the safety of the mother and child.
Ms Kimani observed that seven out of 10 women who deliver at homes face a high risk as midwives are unable to handle any complication that may emerge.
“Murang’a county government is striving to end home deliveries as this endangers the life of the mother and the newborn. Other developmental issues result from home deliveries that can be avoided if mothers attend ante-natal clinics regularly and deliver in a health facility,” she added.
Furthermore, the nursing officer further noted that by attending ante-natal clinics, mothers get the opportunity to be educated on reproductive health care that helps them make appropriate decisions for themselves and their unborn children.
Last year, the county government also started to cater for transport costs for expectant mothers visiting ante-natal clinics.
The transport support of Sh. 1, 000 was given to mothers who attend their seventh- and eight-months clinics.
Upon delivery at hospital, the county government gives a mother Sh. 2, 000 to facilitate her to get back home.
Ms Kimani said the initiatives the county introduced to support maternal health are bearing fruits as currently more than 98 percent of mothers deliver in health facilities.
“We continue to encourage expectant mothers to ensure they visit ante-natal clinics regularly. This will help the county curb maternal mortality,” she remarked.
By Bernard Munyao
