Makueni County’s maternal health model has been commended as a leading example in reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths at the International Maternal and Newborn Conference in Nairobi.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. , who delivered a keynote speech during the conference, said the county’s progress is driven by deliberate policies, strong political commitment, and community-based interventions focused on maternity and family units.
He highlighted the county’s emphasis on male involvement and strong family support systems as key to improving maternal health outcomes.
The governor noted that postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a major cause of maternal deaths in many regions, largely due to gaps in access to quality care. “Each death is a family permanently altered. This is not just a health issue—it is a leadership failure,” he said.
He called for practical reforms, including wider access to essential medicines, clear public health communication, and targeted action on key risk factors such as anaemia, poor nutrition, and pregnancy-related hypertension.
Makueni County was recognised for achieving zero deaths from PPH in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating the impact of its focused interventions.
The county is now expanding efforts to address other causes of maternal mortality, including hypertensive disorders, while strengthening antenatal and postnatal care services.
By Anthony Solly
