Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga has expressed concern over the low number of expectant mothers completing the recommended antenatal clinic visits in Nyanza and Western Kenya, warning that the trend continues to contribute to high maternal mortality rates in the regions.
Speaking at Madiany Sub-County Hospital in Rarieda during the distribution of modern maternity beds to health facilities across Siaya County, Dr. Oluga said only 58 per cent of pregnant women in the two regions complete the recommended four antenatal visits.
He noted that regular antenatal attendance is critical for monitoring the health of both mothers and unborn children, enabling healthcare providers to detect and manage pregnancy-related complications early.
According to the Principal Secretary, routine clinic visits and accurate medical reporting remain essential pillars of the national maternal healthcare strategy and are necessary for timely interventions against conditions such as anaemia, hypertension and other pregnancy-related risks.
“We encounter many challenges when mothers who skipped clinic appointments come to deliver. In some cases, we discover dangerously low blood levels that could have been detected and corrected earlier if the mother had attended antenatal clinics regularly,” said Dr. Oluga.
He identified Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Nyamira counties among regions experiencing high maternal mortality rates and called for concerted efforts by healthcare workers, community leaders and other stakeholders to reverse the trend.
Dr. Oluga urged health professionals to strengthen awareness campaigns and encourage expectant mothers to seek timely medical care throughout pregnancy. He emphasized that every pregnant woman should receive essential services such as nutritional counselling, blood supplements and routine health assessments.
“Keeping mothers and newborns safe remains a key government priority. We must ensure that all expectant mothers access quality maternal healthcare services from conception to delivery,” he said.
The Principal Secretary also cautioned healthcare workers against poor customer service, saying negative experiences in health facilities often discourage patients from seeking care or returning for follow-up visits.
Siaya County Chief Officer for Health Dr. Omondi Owino welcomed the government’s support, saying the distribution of modern maternity beds would improve service delivery and strengthen maternal healthcare infrastructure across the county.
By Philip Onyango
