Kenya is stepping up efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths through a mix of digital health systems, stronger surveillance, and community-led reporting, in reforms that were showcased during a high-level side event held by the Council of Governors on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The meeting was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who said the country is now treating maternal and perinatal deaths not as routine statistics, but as serious signals of how well the health system is working—or failing.
Duale said Kenya has adopted a “No Name, No Blame” approach in reviewing such deaths, aimed at encouraging open learning within the health system rather than pointing fingers at individual health workers.
It was observed that thorough reviews are pointing out repetitive weaknesses such as delay in accessing healthcare, poor referral system, and quality of treatment available across different health centers.
There is ongoing transformation in the country with respect to digitization of health reports where case reviews are done and are available through national dashboards for immediate intervention measures.
At the community level, Community Health Promoters are now making use of mobile phones to make sure that all maternal and newborn deaths are reported within 24 hours, including those in rural communities where county and national authorities can quickly take actions.
Moreover, there is a focus to work with families and understand social and economic factors responsible for preventing individuals from accessing health services, which would further inform the policies made.
For quick delivery of results, the government has launched a program called ‘Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative’ where there is an emphasis on bettering the emergency referrals as well as stock of essential materials required for life-saving activities.
Some other dignitaries who were part of the Geneva side event included CEO of Council of Governors Mary Mwiti, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, in company with Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga and CEO of the Social Health Authority Mercy Mwangangi.
The officials stated that the initiatives are geared towards making Kenya one of those countries adopting digital technologies and community networks to ensure the prevention of maternal and neonatal mortality.
