Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, has expressed appreciation for Kenya’s commitment to the care of newborns and mothers while calling for increased focus on premature births and strengthened neonatal care systems.
The envoy made the remarks during the 2025 World Prematurity Day commemoration at the Makueni Mother and Baby Hospital in Wote.
During the event, Ambassador Guo, accompanied by Tessie Musalia, Chair and Patron of the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, and other officials, visited the hospital’s nursery section, where they interacted with mothers and received guidance from specialists who explained the measures taken to ensure the lives of infants are well cared for.
The team later expressed admiration and satisfaction for the excellent care provided to both newborns and their families, calling on more well-wishers to join efforts in supporting and protecting them.
“These little ones face tremendous challenges. They need timely and professional medical care, family support, and continued attention from society at large,” she said.
The Envoy emphasised that premature birth is not just a medical issue but one that affects family happiness, social wellbeing, and the future of the nation.
“Every life is precious, and every family deserves warmth and hope,” she added.
She commended Kenya for prioritising maternal and child health and highlighted the impact of the Okoa Malaika programme, spearheaded by Tessie Musalia, Chair and Patron of the Ushiriki Wema Foundation.
The Envoy praised its success in assisting countless premature infants, raising public awareness, mobilising social support, and inspiring nationwide action, with the programme now expanded to 22 counties.
“Its impact is truly admirable,” she said, adding that the Chinese Embassy is proud to contribute to the initiative.
Highlighting China’s maternal and child health programmes, Ambassador Guo noted that since 2016, China has focused on improving healthcare systems, strengthening maternal and child health institutions, training healthcare professionals, promoting prenatal and neonatal care, and advancing health education and community support.
She reiterated that China now operates over 3,000 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) nationwide, providing timely treatment for premature infants and significantly reducing infant mortality rates.
The Envoy said that, like China, Kenya has been at the forefront in strengthening its healthcare system by investing not only in modern health equipment but also in developing human resources and community health personnel.
This includes community health promoters, nurses, and doctors, whose training and deployment are critical to delivering comprehensive care.
The Ambassador also underscored the longstanding friendship and cooperation between China and Kenya in public health, particularly in maternal and child health.
She stated, “Kenya and China continue to enjoy a longstanding friendship and cooperation in maternal and child health. Our medical professionals will continue to deepen collaboration and share expertise.”
She further emphasised that both countries’ healthcare teams will maintain close cooperation in areas such as neonatal monitoring, obstetric care, and infection control to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
The Ambassador pledged to strengthen cooperation with the foundation, the government, and partners from all sectors, adding that the two countries would work together to enhance efforts in premature infant care, family support, and professional capacity building.
The event brought together health professionals, government officials, and partners from across sectors, underlining the need for continued collaboration to improve neonatal outcomes and maternal health services in Kenya.
Tessie Musalia urged both National and County governments to consider extending maternity leave for mothers of preterm infants, noting that supporting mothers ultimately strengthens families and protects the country’s future.
“When we support the mother, we strengthen the child, we uplift the family, and we safeguard the future. The creation of policy is an everlasting benefit,” she said.
During the ceremony, Tessie Musalia, also known as Balozi wa Familia, through her Ushiriki Wema Foundation, handed over six neonatal equipment units to referral hospitals in Makueni, Machakos, and Kitui counties, in the presence of invited dignitaries.
The event was marked under the theme “Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future.”
By Ian Chepkuto and Patrick Nyakundi
