Trans Nzoia county suffers from low access to maternity services leading to high infant mortality rates in the region.
Governor George Natembeya says the county records a mortality ratio of 287 per 100,000 live births and that his administration aims to reduce this by 50% within the next five years
He says one of the key healthcare challenges in the region is the lack of access to adequate maternity services with about 70% of deliveries being done by skilled professionals.
“We have a healthcare plan that aims to improve out maternity services and make sure they are accessible to all mothers in every corner of the county,” Natembeya said.
The county boss spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kwanza Maternity Unit in the county which he said marks a significant step forward in improving maternal healthcare accessibility and quality in the area.
He said that through partnering with the Safaricom Foundation, the joint project aims to address pressing challenges in maternal healthcare and provide comprehensive services to the communities in the county.
Natembeya said Trans Nzoia county faces multiple health burdens, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as a high incidence of teenage pregnancies.
“The Kwanza Maternity Unit is expected to be a transformative intervention that addresses these challenges,” he said.
The unit is envisioned to provide 24-hour high quality care to pregnant women, contributing to an increase in skilled deliveries and overall maternal healthcare.
The unit is also set to serve as a referral primary hospital, supporting a network other community units in the healthcare ecosystem.
The governor said the economic impact of the project was significant, with projected deliveries expected to increase from 790 to approximately 2,724 annually resulting in a substantial boost in funding for maternal healthcare initiatives.
Governor Natembeya emphasised the importance of strong work ethics among health workers, urging them to prioritise patient care and service delivery.
He has discouraged health officials from neglecting their core duties and instead focusing solely on administrative tasks or seeking promotions.
The governor also expressed concern about the low percentage of skilled deliveries and warned against any attempts to steal or mismanage drugs.
“We also encourage our people to utilise their insurance coverage by seeking services at public hospitals,” Natembeya said. He condemned the practice of health workers diverting patients with insurance coverage to private hospitals.
Stephen Kiptiness from Safaricom assured ongoing support for corporate social responsibility initiatives in Trans Nzoia county, particularly in health, education, and the environment.
He said the partnership between the Safaricom Foundation and the county government reflects a commitment to improving healthcare standards and overall well-being in the region.
