Kenya has unveiled new guidelines to enhance newborn care, targeting a reduction in neonatal deaths across the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa launched the initiative during a World Prematurity Day event at the Homa Bay Kenya Medical Training College on Monday. The event highlighted the critical issue of premature births and their impact on child mortality rates.
Accompanied by Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Dr. Barasa emphasized the urgency of addressing prematurity, the leading cause of death among children under five globally and in Kenya. According to the Ministry of Health, 12% of all live births annually in Kenya are preterm, defined as babies born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Preventable Tragedies
Dr. Barasa stressed that many neonatal deaths could be prevented through proven, cost-effective interventions. “Prematurity remains the leading cause of neonatal deaths in the country, yet the majority of these deaths are avoidable with proper care,” she said. She noted that Kenya’s neonatal mortality rate stands at 21 per 1,000 live births, with neonatal deaths accounting for 51% of under-five mortality.
The new guidelines include comprehensive training packages to equip healthcare workers with essential skills for caring for preterm and newborn babies. Dr. Barasa highlighted the importance of breast milk and respiratory support for preterm infants, citing the need for machines such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), caffeine citrate, and oxygen support.
Strengthening Health Systems
To enhance care for preterm infants, the Ministry of Health distributed CPAP machines to hospitals across the country, with support from USAID, which donated over 1,000 units. Dr. Barasa also revealed that the Ministry has improved monitoring of newborn care indicators by standardizing data collection across healthcare facilities.
Dr. Amoth called for greater effort to reduce neonatal deaths, particularly in counties like Homa Bay, which records 26 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, higher than the national average. Despite these challenges, he acknowledged Homa Bay’s progress in addressing malnutrition and promoting maternal health.
He raised concerns about the high rate of teenage pregnancies in the county, with one in four births occurring to teenage mothers. “Teenage mothers are at higher risk of complications during childbirth, which also affects their newborns,” he said.
Local Interventions in Homa Bay
Governor Gladys Wanga outlined her administration’s plans to bolster maternal and neonatal health care. “We aim to build two specialized neonatal clinics by 2026 and train more healthcare workers to handle preterm births effectively,” she announced. Wanga highlighted the county’s efforts to improve access to maternal healthcare, with 89% of mothers now delivering in health facilities, just shy of the national average of 90%.
A National Call to Action
The launch coincided with the global observance of World Prematurity Day, dedicated to raising awareness about premature births and their complications. Dr. Barasa called for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to curb neonatal deaths.
With the introduction of these guidelines, the government aims to tackle the high neonatal mortality rate head-on, ensuring that preterm babies receive the care they need to survive and thrive. The rollout of CPAP machines and enhanced training for healthcare workers marks a significant step toward achieving this goal.
As Kenya advances its neonatal care systems, the hope is that these interventions will save countless lives and contribute to the country’s broader health targets.
