A report published by the United Nations Population Fund in August 2014 titled,” From Promise to Action: Ending preventable maternal deaths in Kenya,” estimated between 360 to 488 deaths in every 100,000 births.
The same report further quotes a recent study by the University of Nairobi which indicted that maternal deaths are concentrated in 15 of the 47 Counties.
The counties included Homa Bay, Siaya, Isiolo, Kakamega, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, Migori, Nairobi, Nakuru,Taita Taveta and Wajir just to mention a few.
According to the same report, the main causes of maternal deaths in Kenya include hemorrhage, Hypertension, unsafe abortion, early pregnancy, low rates of skilled births, poor infrastructure and low access to family planning among others.
The first lady, Margaret Kenyatta, initiated the “Beyond Zero” campaign to help create awareness and reduce maternal and infant mortality. This is a step in the right direction and should be supported by all Kenyans.
The Ministry of Health has also made steps to end maternal deaths as envisaged in the Millennium Development Goals. Through the county governments, progress have been made to improve not only the infrastructure but also to equip the public hospitals with modern equipment.
In my opinion, awareness is the key to end maternal deaths. The bible says, “My people die due to lack of knowledge.” More funds should be channeled towards awareness, especially on dietary needs of pregnant mothers. More deaths would be shelved just by creating awareness on what pregnant women should eat such that by the time they will experience labor, their bodies will be in a stable state to deliver the baby safely.
I have lived in a remote part of Sudan, Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan state) where there are few hospitals and the roads are in dilapidated state due to war. The rate of pregnancy is very high among married women and teenage girls. Ironically, maternal deaths are very low.
This is because the women in that area eat foods which makes them have a lot of energy. During delivery, they have the energy to push the baby out. Another reason why maternal deaths are very low in that region is the rigorous awareness campaign that is being carried out by the only major hospital in that area, Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel.
It is easier and faster to penetrate the interior regions using motorbikes and code bikes and reach out for the pregnant women than wait for the roads to be paved or dispensaries to be constructed.
When pregnant are given enough and correct information on how to live while pregnant, what foods to eat, what exercise to do and how to react in case of emergencies, then maternal deaths will be reduced tremendously. Awareness is the last nail to be hammered on the coffin of maternal deaths.
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