Health care gaps fueling obstetric violence in Kenya

Obstetric violence is fueled by significant healthcare gaps in Kenya, as highlighted by a report from KELIN.

A major factor is staffing shortages and inadequately trained medical personnel, which can lead to patient neglect.

Furthermore, many facilities suffer from a lack of essential medical supplies and have dirty, noisy, and overcrowded wards, particularly in antenatal, labor, and delivery areas.

The absence of privacy in health facilities is another critical issue.

Compounding these problems is a lack of clear policies governing treatment during childbirth.

The report also notes that a poor facility culture often forces women to pay bribes to receive timely care.

Obstetric violence is defined as dehumanising treatment or non-consensual medical procedures during childbirth.