At least 175 health facilities across 31 counties have received essential maternal and newborn care equipment in a major push to reduce deaths among mothers and infants in Kenya, according to a press statement released on April 9.
The initiative, supported by the United States government in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, aims to strengthen the capacity of hospitals and health centres to manage complications during childbirth and in the critical first hours of a newborn’s life.
The distribution, carried out between March 18 and March 27, included 143 neonatal warmers, 550 nebulizers, and 541 pulse oximeters.
The equipment was prioritised for high-volume facilities facing shortages of essential tools required for safe deliveries and neonatal care.
Health officials say the intervention is timely, given the country’s maternal mortality rate of approximately 355 deaths per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 21 deaths per 1,000 live births annually.
Many of these deaths are linked to complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and early infancy, as well as limited access to timely and quality healthcare services.
Speaking during the rollout, Stephen Kuria, Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health in Nakuru, underscored the importance of equipping facilities with the right tools.
“In many facilities, the challenge is not demand for services. It is in having the right tools at the right time,” he said.
“We are therefore grateful for this support because this equipment will make the difference between life and death for a newborn requiring immediate support and go a long way in helping us respond to emergencies,” Kuria added.
The initiative, valued at approximately Sh50.9 million (393,717 USD), forms part of a broader effort by the US government to strengthen Kenya’s health system and expand access to quality care, particularly in underserved regions.
Susan Burns, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Nairobi, said the provision of essential medical equipment is a practical step toward improving health outcomes.
“Ensuring that facilities have essential equipment is one of the most practical ways of improving outcomes for mothers and newborns,” she said.
“Through our collaboration with the Government of Kenya, we are supporting health facilities to deliver timely, lifesaving care where it is needed most,” Burns added.
The equipment distribution coincided with the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference held in Kenya from March 23 to 27, highlighting ongoing global and local efforts to strengthen frontline healthcare services and reduce preventable deaths.
Counties set to benefit from the initiative include Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Turkana, Garissa, and Bungoma, among others, reflecting a nationwide approach targeting both urban and rural health facilities.
Stakeholders say the move marks a significant step toward improving maternal and child health outcomes, though sustained investment and systemic improvements will be required to achieve long-term reductions in mortality rates.
The Ministry of Health and its partners have reiterated their commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, with a focus on ensuring that no mother or newborn dies from preventable causes.
