Kwale: Health stakeholders in Kwale County are intensifying efforts to reduce maternal deaths through early antenatal care, family planning awareness, community health education and increased male involvement in maternal health.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kwale recorded 28 maternal deaths during the 2024/2025 financial year. Between January and June 2025, a further 18 maternal deaths were reported, while 13 cases have already been recorded between January and May 2026. Health experts attribute many of the deaths to preventable complications, including postpartum hemorrhage and pregnancy-related hypertension.
To address the challenge, the Fanikisha Foundation in partnership with the Kwale County Department of Health, has been conducting community dialogues to educate families on maternal health, family planning, nutrition, childhood immunization and the importance of men supporting their partners during pregnancy. For Shaban Mohamed and his wife Biishe Umazi from Mwamambi B village, the lessons acquired through the community sessions have helped them navigate a healthier pregnancy after experiencing a previous miscarriage.
The couple said their first pregnancy ended in loss after Biishe experienced abnormal bleeding and sought medical attention. “When my wife became pregnant again and experienced bleeding, we sought medical care immediately. The doctors treated her and advised us on how to protect the pregnancy,” said Mohammed. He said the experience taught him the importance of supporting expectant mothers and accompanying them to antenatal clinics. “I encourage fellow men to accompany their wives to antenatal clinics because it helps them understand medical advice and provide support throughout the pregnancy,” he said.
Umazi, who began attending antenatal clinic visits at two months of pregnancy, said regular check-ups had helped monitor both her health and that of the unborn baby. “I encourage women to start antenatal care as soon as they discover they are pregnant so that any complications can be identified and managed early,” she said.
During the sessions held at Uwanja wa Jogoo in Diani, participants learned about different contraceptive methods including injectables, implants, pills, and intrauterine devices. “We were taught that every woman should choose a method that is safe and suitable for her body,” added Umazi. Fanikisha Foundation Director Monica Ndegwa said many maternal deaths can be prevented through timely access to healthcare services.
“We encourage women to begin antenatal care early and complete all the recommended clinic visits. Early attendance enables health workers to identify and manage risks before they become life-threatening,” said Ndegwa. She emphasized the role of family planning in improving maternal and child health by ensuring adequate spacing between pregnancies.
Community Health Promoter Saumu Said noted that some women delay seeking antenatal care due to stigma, fear or cultural beliefs, increasing the risk of complications. She urged expectant mothers to seek medical care immediately after confirming pregnancy and to maintain proper nutrition throughout the pregnancy period. Said stated that community health promoters continue to support pregnant women through health education, follow-up visits, nutrition counselling, immunization awareness and referrals to health facilities.
As Kwale works towards reducing preventable maternal deaths, health stakeholders say greater community awareness, skilled healthcare services and increased male involvement remain critical in ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirth outcomes.
