A renowned non-profit organisation focused on improving community-based health systems in Kenya, Lwala Community Alliance, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health in efforts to advance maternal and child health care services in West Pokot County.
The signing ceremony, held at the Department of Health offices in Kapenguria town, brought together senior medical officials, the County attorney, and among other county government officials and representatives from Lwala Alliance.
The partnership seeks to drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the region, especially in hard-to-reach areas parts of the county.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Lwala Alliance Chief of Programs, Sandra Mudhune, emphasized the shared vision between the two parties.
“It is an honour to work hand in hand with the West Pokot team in their commitment to save lives of expectant women and their inborn children. We are also committed to ensuring that women have safe deliveries and that children not only survive during birth but can thrive in their future,” he said.
Mudhune spoke passionately about the organization’s reason for choosing West Pokot and the urgency of the mission, revealing that West Pokot was selected after a deep data analysis revealed alarming statistics.
“We looked at the data, and it showed that approximately 473 mothers are dying in every 100,000 births according to KNBS 2019 survey. That is a number that is quite high and cannot be ignored,” she said.
She highlighted Lwala’s commitment to building local capacity and ensuring frontline health workers are properly supported:
“We have signed this MOU to equip all the health workers with the necessary training and devices they need to save mothers. Health workers are the first line of defence, and when they are empowered, lives are saved,” Mudhune emphasized.
She emphasized that postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal deaths and is both deadly and entirely preventable with the right resources.
“Many mothers lose their lives during childbirth due to postpartum haemorrhage. This is something that can be prevented with the right tools, training, and response systems,” Mudhune added.
West Pokot County Executive Committee Member CECM for Health, Clare Parklea, applauded the initiative, saying it comes at a critical time when many communities in the county are still struggling with preventable maternal and child deaths.
“This partnership gives us a great opportunity to bridge existing health gaps and extend critical care to our most vulnerable populations,” she noted.
She acknowledged the county’s poor standing compared to national figures.
“When we compared the maternal mortality rate of women in West Pokot with the national average, it became clear that we are not doing well,” she said.
She extended her gratitude to the organization and made a passionate appeal for broader collaboration.
“We sincerely thank Lwala for this incredible partnership. I want to call upon other well-wishers and partners to join us in this mission, so that together, we can thrive and create lasting change for the people of West Pokot,” she said.
By Anthony Melly and Agneta Chebet
