Kisumu County Chief officer for Health Dr. Lusi Ojwang’ has confirmed that 24 women died last year due to maternal labour complications at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital and Kisumu County Hospital.
Speaking at Grace Ogot Grounds, Nyalenda in Kisumu on Tuesday Dr. Ojwang’ said that the deaths occurred between July 1 and December 30 adding that the deaths are preventable.
He said the death occurred because the expectant mothers went to the hospitals once complications had reached advanced stages while still at home.
Dr. Lusi however observed that 85% of expectant mothers in Kisumu East County deliver successfully due to skilled midwives handling them.
"We are worried of the 15% deaths caused by unskilled delivery aides. 65% of families in Kisumu have embraced family planning," said Dr. Lusi.
He said that it is in the public domain that Kisumu is top 10 indicator Nation-wide with 480 deaths out of 100,000 births.
The County Chief officer for Health said that some of the delivery complications come when mothers experience excessive bleeding during and after birth.
Dr. Lusi said that the recent effort by Kisumu County government to give ambulances to seven sub-counties will reduce maternal and child death.
"The ambulance services in Kisumu are free. Before Friday Muhoroni, Nyakach and Kombewa will receive Sh150,000 for the maintenance of ambulance for the next three months while Ahero, Masogo and Chulaimbo will get Sh130,000," said Dr. Lusi