Three counties within the Lower Eastern Region have received incubators from Mudavadi Memorial Foundation Fund (MMFF) with a view to curb the increasing deaths attributed to premature births in the area.
The counties that benefitted included Makueni, Machakos and Kitui whereby each got 2 incubators through the Okoa Malaika (OM) Programme that is being run by under the MMFF.
The incubators were distributed to the respective counties by the Chair, Ushiriki Wema Foundation and Managing Trustee, Tessie Musalia, at Mother and Child Hospital in Wote Town Makueni Subcounty on Monday.
Mrs Musalia called for concerted efforts from the government and development partners to invest in prenatal care in an effort to mitigate the emerging risk that threaten the growth of infants in the country.
Consequently, she said that the government need to strengthen primary health care and ensure equitable access to skilled birth attendance across the country.
“In Kenya approximately 134,000 to 193,000 babies are born prematurely each year, that is a very high figure that corresponds to national preterm birth of 13 percent. This is not encouraging,” said Mrs Musalia while reading her speech during the World Pre-MaIncubators
“To mitigate this risk, the government has advanced Linda Jamii health Cover to strengthen primary health care and ensure equitable access to skilled birth attendance countrywide,” she posed.
While lauding the Peoples Republic of China for funding the programme, she noted that the Okoa Malaika programme is devoted to reduce preventable deaths among preterm infants by equipping Level 4 and 5 Hospitals with lifesaving incubators.
“I extend my gratitude to the people of the republic of China, whose support has been instrumental in the realization of the objective of all Okoa Malaika programme that is devoted to reduce preventable deaths of preterm infants,” Mrs Musalia added.
“Since its inception two years ago, the programme has distributed over 45 incubators to 22 counties across the country. Makueni, Machakos and Kitui counties have received today,” she noted.
During the event, she appealed to the government to change the policy of maternity leave for preterm mothers from 3 to 6 since they are required to stay in hospitals their children are confined there.
“Preterm mothers spend time in the corridors of hospitals, they leave their children and husbands behind. they undergo challenges. Their leave should be extended to six months until their children attain six months of age,” pleaded Mrs. Musalia.
Speaking at the same event, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, MS Guo Haiyan, said that her government has established 3,000 networks for prenatal intensive care unit countrywide.
Haiyan disclosed that the centres which are in operation are providing timely and professional treatment for premature babies with a view to reduce the infant mortality rate and improve family wellbeing.
“China has established nationwide networks for neonatal both intensive care unit, with more than 3,000 in operation to provide timely and professional treatment for premature babies. This will significantly reduce infant mortality rate and improve family wellbeing,” said Haiyan while reading her speech during the World Pre-Mature day where she was the Chief Guest.
She lauded the Mudavadi Memorial Foundation Fund for distributing incubators to 22 counties across the country besides enhancing public awareness about the premature births in the country.
While pledging support from her government, the ambassador said that premature births are not only medical issue but a social problem that needs to be tackled appropriately saying every life is precious.
“Premature birth is not only a medical issue; it is also a concern for the family social wellbeing and a future of every nation. Every life is precious, every family deserves warmth and hope,” she posed.
She praised the Kenya government for the strides they have made in containing the cases of premature births in the country.
During the event, Haiyan revealed that there about 15 million infants born prematurely around the world.
“According to the World Health Organisation, 15 million babies are born prematurely across the world annually,” Haiyan noted.
On her part, Anita Mutula said the government of Makueni has established a Neonatal Intensive care Unit at the Makueni County Referral Hospital to ensure both preterm and low birth weight infants get a chance in life.
While thanking MMFF for the donations of the incubators, Anita who is Governor Mula Kilonzo’s spouse said that they recorded 1,411 preterm births saying 250 did not survive in the first 28 days.
“Today we gather not only to commemorate the World Prematurity Day but also to stand in solidarity with the smallest and bravest members of our society-our preterm babies,” said Mrs Mutula.
by Patrick Nyakundi
