Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga speaking during a meeting he had with delegates from UNITAD on June 16, 2025 /Ministry of health/X The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up antenatal care (ANC) services as a key strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in Kenya.
Speaking during a meeting with a UNITAID delegation in Nairobi on Monday June 16, 2025, Health Principal Secretary Dr. Harry Kimtai Oluga said strengthening ANC is central to improving maternal and newborn outcomes.
“Our biggest goal now is to make significant progress in maternal and neonatal care. A strong antenatal care programme is critical to achieving that,” said Dr. Oluga.
The delegation from UNITAID included Mr. Matthew Black, Mr. Romane Theoleyre, and Ms. Jeffrey Smith. Their visit precedes a National Stakeholders Workshop aimed at mapping strategies to improve maternal and newborn health.
Dr. Oluga said the Ministry is investing in building the capacity of healthcare workers to deliver quality ANC services. “We are prioritizing the orientation and capability of our health workforce to effectively deliver on this mandate,” he noted.
He also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, saying collaboration with agencies such as UNITAID is vital for sustainable improvements in care.
Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga during a meeting he had with delegates from UNITAD on June 16 2025 /Ministry of health/X
The renewed push comes amid growing concern over high maternal mortality rates in several counties, including Garissa, Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, and Isiolo.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently described the situation as unacceptable and unconstitutional. Speaking in Garissa, Duale said such tragedies must not be allowed in today’s Kenya.
“Maternal mortality is not only unacceptable and immoral—it is unconstitutional. This cannot be allowed to continue in modern Kenya,” he said, calling for a united effort between national and county governments.
Duale also took aim at healthcare workers, blaming some for negligence, absenteeism, and incompetence.
“It is unacceptable that our mothers, daughters, and women walk into health facilities happy and healthy, only to die along with their babies. Their days are numbered,” he warned.
He added that accountability would be enforced, noting that medics found guilty of malpractice would face dismissal through collaboration with regulatory bodies.
Reducing maternal mortality, Duale stressed, remains a top government priority and a key measure of a functional healthcare system.
