In a significant move to enhance maternal and infant healthcare in Embu County, the M-Pesa Foundation has initiated the construction of a KES 45 million modern maternity wing at Kianjakoma Health Centre. This development aims to address the escalating demand for quality maternal and child health services in the region, ensuring safer childbirth experiences and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Kianjakoma Health Centre, located approximately 20 kilometers from Embu Town, has been grappling with increased pressure due to the rising number of expectant mothers seeking medical attention. The existing facilities have been stretched thin, underscoring the necessity for expanded infrastructure to meet the community’s needs effectively.
Features of the New Maternity Wing
The upcoming maternity wing is designed to provide comprehensive care for mothers and newborns. Key features include:
- Antenatal and Postnatal Units: Dedicated spaces for expectant and new mothers to receive specialized care before and after childbirth.
- Newborn Unit (NBU): Equipped to offer critical care for infants, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention during the crucial initial stages of life.
- Capacity Expansion: Addition of 25 beds to accommodate more patients comfortably.
- Operating Theatre: A modern surgical facility to handle deliveries requiring surgical intervention, ensuring timely and safe procedures.
- Delivery Room: A 2-bed delivery room designed to manage multiple births simultaneously, reducing wait times and enhancing service efficiency.
Commitment to Maternal and Child Health
Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, emphasized the organization’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes:
“We invest in health through various programs which address critical needs in our communities. Among these needs is maternal and child health. We partner with county governments in all 47 counties to ensure that the required infrastructure and equipment are in place to enable quality, affordable, and accessible services.”
This collaboration with county governments ensures that healthcare facilities are well-equipped to provide essential services, particularly in underserved areas.
Impact on Embu County
The new maternity wing is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing maternal healthcare services in Embu County. By providing a safe and comfortable environment for childbirth and postnatal care, the facility aims to:
- Reduce Maternal Mortality: By offering timely and adequate medical interventions, the facility seeks to lower the number of maternal deaths during childbirth.
- Decrease Infant Mortality: With a well-equipped newborn unit, infants will receive the necessary care to improve survival rates.
- Alleviate Pressure on Existing Facilities: The expansion will ease the burden on nearby hospitals, ensuring that more patients receive prompt and efficient care.
M-Pesa Foundation’s Ongoing Commitment in Embu County
This initiative is part of the M-Pesa Foundation’s broader commitment to uplifting communities in Embu County. Since 2003, the foundation has invested over KES 400 million in various sectors, including education, health, and economic empowerment, positively impacting more than 224,000 residents.
In September 2024, the foundation, in partnership with the University of Embu, launched a comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarship program. This initiative aims to benefit 1,300 students across all 47 counties, equipping them with essential skills for the job market.
Maternal and Infant Health Statistics in Embu County
Understanding the current health landscape is crucial for assessing the impact of such interventions. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, Embu County reported:
- Neonatal Mortality Rate: 24 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Infant Mortality Rate: 36 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Under-5 Mortality Rate: 44 deaths per 1,000 live births.
These figures highlight the pressing need for improved maternal and child health services in the region.
The M-Pesa Foundation’s investment in the Kianjakoma Health Centre’s maternity wing signifies a substantial step toward enhancing maternal and infant healthcare in Embu County. By addressing the infrastructural gaps and increasing the capacity of healthcare facilities, this project promises to improve health outcomes for mothers and children alike.
