Expectant mothers benefit from maternal health guidance amid rising mortality

Expectant women in Nairobi benefitted from special education session aimed at providing quality information and guidance on maternal healthcare.

The event sought to address issues surrounding maternal health challenges in a bid to promote women's well-being in the county.

This is after Savannah Medical Hospital hosted special education and guidance to them as a way of celebrating them and encouraging them during International Women's Day celebrations.

Led by Dr. Wachira Murage, the Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the facility, the event focused on empowering women with essential knowledge to ensure a safe pregnancy journey.

 World Health Organisation showed that the greatest challenge facing pregnant women living in both slum and urban areas in Kenya is how soon they visited a clinic after finding out that they were pregnant.

He highlighted the alarming rate of maternal mortality in the country, noting that preventable factors, such as bleeding during childbirth, contribute significantly to the loss of lives.

"A research by National Institute of Health places the mortality rate per 100,000 live births in Sub Saharan Africa at 550. Kenya is lower at 414," said Dr. Murage.

One of the attendees, Phyllis Nduta, expressed her gratitude for the educational session, stating that it provided valuable insights into pregnancy care.

"I now understand the do's and don'ts during pregnancy, which are very effective," she remarked, underscoring the impact of the initiative on expectant mothers' well-being.

In addition to addressing pregnancy-related concerns, Dr. Murage advocated for the adoption of the Social Health Insurance Fund, urging Kenyans, particularly those in rural areas, to embrace it as the government initiates registration.

He highlighted the transparency of the insurance compared to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), emphasizing its potential to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for all citizens.

The initiative by Savannah Medical Hospital signifies a proactive approach towards addressing maternal health challenges and promoting women's well-being in Nairobi.

As the nation commemorates International Women's Day, efforts such as these serve as a reminder of the importance of empowering women and ensuring their access to quality healthcare services throughout their pregnancy journey.