The construction of the maternal and newborn child health complex at the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital (VTRH) is nearing completion, marking a major boost to maternal and child health services in the county.
The facility, financed by the M-PESA Foundation, is expected to enhance access to quality healthcare for mothers and newborns through improved infrastructure and service delivery.
The complex will comprise a caesarean section theatre, a three-bed delivery room, a 12-bed antenatal ward, a 20-bed postnatal ward, and an eight-bed newborn unit. It will also include a reception area, nursing station, pharmacy, and medical gas supply system.
Vihiga County has made notable progress in reducing maternal mortality rate. Between January and June 2025, the county was ranked third among Kenya’s 47 counties with the lowest risk of maternal deaths countrywide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a maternal death occurred every two minutes globally in 2023, with over 700 women dying daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. The figures underscore the importance of skilled health professionals before, during and after delivery to save the lives of women and newborns.
By Rose Wasike
