Garissa Governor Ali Korane. The county's Health Executive Ahmednathir Omar wants measures put in place to curb maternal mortality. (Photo-The Star)
Garissa Health executive Ahmednathir Omar has called for a concerted effort in curbing the high maternal mortality rates among newborn and mothers. The statistic shows that Garissa county with 600 deaths per 1000,000 is among the regions with highest mortal mortality rates. “It is only through concerted effort that we can achieve a reduction of this and ensure that we have a normal situation. giving birth should not be a death sentence in this day and age,” he said. Most of the maternal mortalities are caused by bleeding for mothers who are delivering at home instead of public health facilities.Abdi who was speaking in Nangi and Kamuthe where he opened maternity wings that have been built equipped by the county in partnership with UNICEF said the ministry will work more closely with other development partners and stakeholders to educate the public especially the rural folds on the need to deliver in public health facilities. “This perception that our people have that delivering in public health facilities is against the culture is not doing us any good. we need to change,” said Abdi. He urged the community health workers to educate the public on the same. Abdi said the county is determined to addressing health issues, despite the huge gaps and challenges. He said the recently concluded county integrated development plan[CIDP]has a number of health projects that will be implemented during the five-year term. On his part, Mohamed Abdullahi, head of UNICEF Garissa office said that the organization will continue being a key partner in matters health and nutrition, education, child and sanitation water, and sanitation. He said that UNICEF has to spend Sh15 million to equip the 16 health facilities. Marry Mwihaki Konde, nurse in-charge Nanigi health center the opened facility will go along way in helping mothers deliver well saying initially the challenge was the small space.