By H, KNA
Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr. George M. Orina led members of the Kenyan diaspora in Ethiopia in donating essential supplies to mothers and newborns at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, in an initiative aimed at supporting maternal and neonatal health among vulnerable populations.
The outreach demonstrated the continued connection of Kenyans living abroad with grassroots development efforts at home and highlighted the role of diaspora engagement in strengthening Kenya’s social welfare framework.
Pumwani Maternity Hospital serves thousands of low-income mothers, including underage girls from vulnerable backgrounds, some as young as 12 years, as well as refugees. Many mothers arrive at the facility without basic necessities such as diapers, maternity pads, baby clothing, or essential postnatal care items, making external support critical to their wellbeing.
Receiving the donation, Ms. Pascalin Kimongu, Head of the hospital’s Medical Social Work Department, described the contribution as timely and vital for the most vulnerable mothers and newborns.
“This support goes a long way in restoring dignity and hope to mothers who come here with very little,” said Kimongu. She noted that the department’s mandate extends beyond distributing supplies to include psychosocial support, guidance, emotional care, livelihood training, and linkages to educational opportunities to help mothers and their children build a better future.
Ambassador Orina said the initiative reflects the commitment of Kenyans abroad to national development and social welfare priorities.
“This is a partnership. Our citizens in the diaspora are active participants in shaping a better future for every needy mother and child. Diaspora engagement complements government efforts in social protection, healthcare, and development,” he said.
He also commended Pumwani Maternity Hospital’s management, health workers, and board members for their dedication to providing quality maternal and neonatal care despite resource constraints and heavy patient load.
The donation was coordinated by the Kenya Wananchi Association in Ethiopia, whose volunteers mobilized and delivered baby packs, nutritional supplements, nappies, baby clothing, and other essential maternal care items. The supplies are expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide consistent and high-quality care while easing financial and emotional pressures faced by mothers during the postnatal period.
Hospital officials noted that such partnerships help bridge gaps in service delivery, particularly for mothers who lack family support or financial means, ensuring that newborns get a healthy start in life.
The initiative further underscored the transformative potential of diaspora-led programmes in reinforcing social safety nets, supporting healthcare priorities, and strengthening ties between Kenya and its citizens abroad.
It also illustrated how diplomacy, humanitarian action, and community development can converge to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Pumwani Maternity Hospital continues to welcome partnerships with organizations and individuals willing to support maternal and child health. Interested parties may contact the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer’s office or the Medical Social Work Department for collaboration.
