Columnists

Accelerate reduction of maternal, newborn deaths

referral

An effective referral system is needed with well co-ordinated highly specialised centres around the country. FILE PHOTO | NMG

In Kenya, pregnant mothers and newborn babies are 25 times more likely to die around the time of birth than those in developed countries. Unfortunately, reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality is slower than the global average and below other African countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi.

They implement evidence based, high impact interventions and utilise their entire systems, from community services to referral facilities.

A strategy for strengthening Maternal and the Newborn Health (MNH) is well under way in Kenya and has been reinforced by the “Beyond Zero Campaign”.

County and sub-county advocacy for MNH services has been strengthened by communication and social mobilisation committees. In addition, there is increasing access to MNH services with a growing number of facilities with neonatal intensive care units.

Training of skilled birth attendants and improving supplies and equipment are adding to the availability of better services.

In the near future, improved information systems will result in the provision of better facilities with qualified staff. The national guideline for maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance and response intended to implement a complete audit of the death of a newborn, or mother to enable it generate action points for future preventive measures.

Facility and county-based implementation of the plan is key to the rapid improvement in the quality of services offered to newborns and their mothers. Effective community based actions will translate into the success of the programme.

The gap between the national policy and the available services around the country requires auditing and the development of facilities, training and deployment of qualified personnel.

The establishment of high quality newborn services is expensive and unattainable at county level in many cases. Accordingly, an effective referral system is needed with well co-ordinated highly specialised centres around the country.

Peter O. Gisore is Consultant Neonatologist, Department of Paediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital.