Kenyan women facing abuse during childbirth have gained a vital lifeline with the launch of a toll-free call centre aimed at addressing obstetric violence (OBV). The initiative, unveiled by the Gamafrica Foundation at the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Roysambu, Nairobi, seeks to tackle the systemic mistreatment that women often endure during labour, childbirth, and postnatal care.
The new call centre, reachable at 0111055181, provides a platform for women to report incidents of abuse and mistreatment. It will also connect victims to healthcare providers, legal counsel, and psychological support, while gathering crucial data to inform policies aimed at improving maternal health in Kenya. The initiative is driven by a powerful sense of urgency to tackle the rising maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the country, an issue that continues to worsen despite efforts in neighboring nations like Uganda and Rwanda, where maternal deaths have significantly reduced.
Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba, who is the founder of the Gamafrica Foundation and a key advocate for maternal health reforms, emphasized the importance of accountability in tackling maternal and neonatal deaths. She condemned the systemic failures that lead to women’s deaths during childbirth and called on Parliament to urgently pass the Obstetric Violence Bill, which is aimed at protecting women’s dignity in healthcare settings.
“We must ensure that hospitals report every maternal or neonatal death. When a woman or child dies during childbirth, there must be full transparency and accountability,” said Wamuchomba. “Hospitals must be held accountable for their actions, and Parliament must pass this crucial bill to ensure dignity for all mothers.”
Wamuchomba also highlighted disturbing incidents of neglect and abuse in Kenyan hospitals, such as overcrowding and the detention of mothers who cannot afford to pay medical bills. She called on the government to reinstate programs like Linda Mama, which previously provided free maternal healthcare, and to invest in better healthcare infrastructure.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris praised the toll-free call centre as a transformative step in the fight against OBV. She noted, however, that addressing the issue requires a broader systemic approach. “This call centre is a game-changer. By documenting cases, we can identify trends and advocate for targeted solutions,” Passaris stated. She also drew attention to the lack of resources in public hospitals, where women are often forced to share beds, and nurses are overwhelmed by the demands of their roles.
Passaris further called for better mental health support, not only for women facing postpartum depression but also for healthcare workers who are often stretched beyond their capacity. “We need to ensure holistic care for both patients and healthcare providers to address the root causes of these systemic challenges,” she added.
The event also coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, amplifying calls for action on OBV and gender-based violence more broadly. Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, speaking at the launch, urged the government to allocate more funding to address gender-based violence, including the establishment of special courts to expedite justice for survivors. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said, urging the president to allocate Sh1 billion for these critical initiatives.
A survey by the Gamafrica Foundation revealed that 80% of Kenyan women have experienced some form of OBV, underscoring the urgency of the new initiative. Dr. Benjamin Odongo Elly, a gynecologic oncologist and representative of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (KOGS), also expressed concern over the rising rates of OBV and its long-term health impacts, including postpartum depression, obstetric fistulas, and neonatal complications.
Dr. Odongo called for an overhaul of Kenya’s maternal healthcare infrastructure, better distribution of medical resources, and a more equitable allocation of healthcare professionals. “Women should not have to deliver in undignified environments or share beds,” he stressed. He also highlighted the shortage of gynecologists in rural areas, calling for urgent measures to address this disparity.
The launch of the call centre represents a critical first step toward holding healthcare facilities accountable and improving the overall maternal health system in Kenya. With support from the government, Parliament, and advocacy groups, it is hoped that the initiative will not only address OBV but also ensure that every Kenyan woman can give birth in a safe and dignified environment.
