Mombasa to roll out special meal plan for expectant women

The Mombasa County Government has identified malnutrition as a key problem affecting expectant women, leading to both maternal and newborn deaths.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Saturday said that despite being an urban county, malnutrition is extremely high in Mombasa, and he wants to eliminate it to safeguard both maternal and newborn health.

He said his administration is set to roll out a nutrition programme targeting expectant women across the county.

The programme will see expectant women receive nutritious meals and dietary support in hospitals while awaiting delivery and shortly after giving birth.

“This is because, urban as we are, you will be surprised when you look at the figures; malnutrition is extremely high in Mombasa. We have a problem of malnutrition,” Nassir said.

“So, one of the concepts that we want to put in place is providing special meals to our mothers who are pregnant.”

He said the county will not only take care of the health of the mother but also that of the baby from the time of conception.

“This is aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, reducing pregnancy-related complications, and ensuring healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries.

“By addressing nutritional needs during pregnancy, the county seeks to enhance the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children,” Nassir said.

He spoke during a meeting with members of the Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals in Mombasa.

Nassir, however, said this will not start until the digitisation of Mombasa's health system is complete.

The county is in the process of digitising its health system to do away with paperwork and ensure the smooth flow of processes, including treatment.

The digitisation, Nassir said, will help improve healthcare delivery, monitor county health revenue and help identify rogue professionals who do not deliver services as required under their mandates.

“There is no reason why someone visiting a hospital should run around the hospital with pieces of paper containing prescriptions and all,” he said.

He said rogue medics have been diverting drugs to their private facilities and writing prescriptions for drugs to be bought there, thereby denying the county revenue.

“Prescriptions will also be digitised. This way, a patient will not be led to a private facility to buy their drugs. The only pharmacies where prescriptions will be approved will be county pharmacies,” Nassir said.

The county has invested heavily in the digitisation of all its health services.

The county will then leverage the digitised health system to identify beneficiaries, monitor maternal health indicators and ensure efficient service delivery across health facilities.

Governor Nassir said the county is investing in preventive healthcare and social protection programmes.

“The upcoming initiative reflects the county government's commitment to building a healthier Mombasa by supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring that every mother has access to the care and nutrition needed for a safe and successful pregnancy,” he noted.