Addressing High Maternal Mortality Rates in Kenya: Initiatives and Challenges

Kenya is grappling with a maternal mortality crisis, with the country recording a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 594 deaths per 100,000 live births, placing it among the highest in Africa. This figure significantly exceeds the global target of reducing the MMR to below 70 by 2030, as per the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Causes of High Maternal Mortality Rates
The high maternal mortality rates in Kenya can be attributed to several direct and indirect causes. The direct causes include complications such as obstructed labor, postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorders, pregnancy-related infections, and complications from unsafe abortions. Many of these issues arise from inadequate access to quality obstetric care during and after childbirth.

Indirect causes also contribute to maternal deaths, such as pre-existing medical conditions that worsen during pregnancy. Moreover, significant systemic challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, exacerbate the situation. A staggering 98.7% of maternal deaths occur in just 15 out of 47 counties, highlighting the regional disparities in healthcare access and quality.

Despite improvements in skilled birth attendance, which has risen from 62% to about 70% over the past seven years, over 80% of maternal deaths are linked to poor quality of care. This includes inadequate healthcare worker training, insufficient medical supplies, and lack of emergency obstetric services.

Efforts to Reduce Maternal Mortality
To combat the high maternal mortality rates, various initiatives are underway, including programs like Wheels for Life and Telesky’s 1196 emergency response service.

Wheels for Life is a community-based initiative aimed at improving access to maternal health services. Here is what they offer:

Maternal Medical Advice: The helpline provides immediate access to maternal medical advice, allowing expectant mothers to consult with healthcare professionals about their health concerns. This can help in identifying potential complications early and seeking appropriate care.
Mental Health Support: Recognizing the emotional challenges that can accompany pregnancy, the 1196 helpline also offers mental health support. This service helps mothers manage stress and anxiety, contributing to their overall well-being during this critical time.
Accessibility: As a toll-free service, the 1196 helpline is accessible to all expectant mothers, regardless of their financial situation. This removes a significant barrier to accessing essential maternal healthcare services.
24/7 Availability: The helpline operates around the clock, ensuring that expectant mothers can receive assistance whenever they need it, day or night.

Also organizations like USAID and UNFPA are actively involved in reducing maternal mortality through capacity building, policy advocacy, and innovative approaches such as telemedicine to reach women in remote areas.

Through these concerted efforts, Kenya aims to make significant strides toward achieving the global maternal health targets by 2030, ultimately ensuring safer motherhood for all women..