A team from MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) led by Senior Advisor Laura Fitzgerald is in Vihiga County to monitor the progress of key health interventions under the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) and Nutrition programs.
MCGL has been a key partner of the County Government of Vihiga, working closely with the Department of Health Services to strengthen health systems through mentorship, capacity building, and continuous quality improvement. The collaboration has significantly contributed to improved maternal and newborn health outcomes across the county.
Among the interventions being implemented are the E-MOTIVE bundle and the World Health Organization Labour Care Guide (LCG). The E-MOTIVE approach has enhanced healthcare providers’ ability to accurately measure blood loss after childbirth, leading to better management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and a reduction in maternal referrals. The WHO Labour Care Guide promotes quality, evidence-based, and respectful care during labour and delivery.
During the monitoring visit, the MCGL team met with mentors and healthcare workers to review progress and share lessons learnt. Discussions centred on the need for continuous mentorship, training on early maternal warning signs, and innovative approaches to monitoring mothers, particularly amid staffing challenges.
Through this partnership, Vihiga County has recorded notable improvements, including a reduction in perinatal deaths, increased confidence among healthcare providers, and greater male involvement in maternal health initiatives.
The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these achievements and building a resilient, people-centred health system that promotes safe motherhood and improved health outcomes for all residents.
by Sarah Mwanisa & Rose Wasike
