Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has made an urgent appeal to mothers across Kenya to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) for free access to essential maternity services. The announcement, made during a press briefing on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health through affordable and accessible healthcare services.
Barasa emphasized that mothers can register at any Level 1, 2, or selected Level 4 health facilities to benefit from free antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. “The SHA initiative is a significant step towards reducing maternal and infant mortality in the country,” she said, adding that the program is tailored to address the most pressing needs of expectant and new mothers.
Affordable Care for Advanced Needs
For higher-level care, such as managing complications and neonatal services for premature babies, mothers will only need to make a minimal contribution of up to Ksh 300. This contribution, according to CS Barasa, is designed to ensure sustainability while keeping healthcare affordable for all Kenyans.
Barasa highlighted that the SHA will act as a comprehensive solution to the financial barriers that prevent many women from seeking timely medical attention. “With SHA, we are bridging the gap in access to quality healthcare. No woman should have to worry about financial constraints when bringing a child into the world,” she affirmed.
Improving Maternal and Child Health
The government’s initiative aligns with its broader agenda to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Kenya has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, but challenges remain, particularly in rural and underserved regions. By expanding access to free maternity care through the SHA, the government aims to enhance equity and quality in healthcare delivery.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that a significant proportion of maternal deaths in Kenya result from complications such as obstructed labor, hemorrhage, and infections conditions that can be effectively managed with timely medical intervention. The SHA program is expected to ensure that women receive the care they need at every stage of pregnancy and beyond.
Registering with SHA: A Call to Action
CS Barasa also called on all Kenyans, not just mothers, to register with the SHA. “This is not just a program for mothers; it is a program for all Kenyans,” she said. By registering, individuals help the government better plan and allocate resources for health services across the country.
She further noted that the SHA’s data-driven approach will play a crucial role in budgeting and decision-making, ensuring that healthcare delivery is both efficient and effective. “Every registration counts. It’s a step towards universal health coverage for all Kenyans,” Barasa stated.
Partnering for Success
To ensure the program’s success, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with community health volunteers, local leaders, and healthcare providers to raise awareness and facilitate the registration process. Public education campaigns are being rolled out to inform citizens about the benefits of SHA and the registration process.
The government is also investing in upgrading healthcare facilities to ensure they are equipped to handle the expected increase in demand for services. This includes hiring additional healthcare workers and improving infrastructure at Level 1, 2, and 4 facilities.
A Vision for the Future
The SHA program is part of the government’s vision to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. It builds on previous initiatives, such as the Linda Mama program, by providing a more comprehensive and sustainable framework for healthcare financing.
CS Barasa concluded her address by urging all eligible citizens to take advantage of the program. “Together, we can create a healthier, stronger Kenya where no one is left behind,” she said.
As the SHA initiative gains momentum, it holds the promise of transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that mothers and their babies receive the care they need to thrive.
