Nairobi: The Council of Governors has unveiled the Inter-County Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) initiative, aiming to enhance accountability and coordination to prevent maternal and newborn deaths throughout Kenya. The initiative is seen as a significant step toward ensuring that no mother or newborn dies from preventable causes.
According to Kenya News Agency, Council of Governors Health Committee chairperson Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that it will empower counties to track, discuss, and act on every maternal and newborn death or near-miss incident. This approach is designed to facilitate learning and strengthen health systems across the region. Nassir, whose message was delivered by Nandy Governor Stephen Sang, highlighted the emotional toll on governors when accountability is required for maternal or newborn deaths, stressing that the initiative will help restore accountability and share lessons across counties.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various development partners, builds upon earlier county-level MPDSR programs that have already shown positive outcomes. For instance, Kiambu Level 5 Hospital reported zero maternal deaths over a seven-month period following regular review meetings. Similarly, Machakos and Homa Bay counties have experienced significant progress.
However, Governor Nassir pointed out that despite considerable investments in health infrastructure and staffing, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain higher than the Sustainable Development Goal targets. He stressed that behind every statistic is a family affected by loss, calling for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif emphasized the program’s importance, particularly for marginalized counties where healthcare access is limited. He noted that while progress has been made, challenges remain, such as long distances to healthcare facilities. Khalif also called for a review of policies restricting deliveries to facilities with inpatient beds, arguing that such restrictions undermine progress in rural areas.
Governor Sang echoed these concerns, advocating for no legal barriers to a mother’s right to deliver safely. He noted ongoing challenges such as inadequate financing, uneven distribution of health workers, and cultural barriers. Sang urged national and county governments to collaborate in strengthening primary healthcare, with support from development partners and the private sector.
Dr. Mary Maina, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist from Kiambu County and Kenya Mental Health Board representative, shared the origins of the initiative. She recounted how a simple idea during a meeting with Dr. Menge of Kenyatta National Hospital evolved into a national platform facilitating real-time collaboration among health workers. This platform has reportedly improved referrals and outcomes, demonstrating that coordination can save lives.
Dr. Maina called on leaders to support frontline health workers with necessary resources and protection from blame. She emphasized that health workers are partners in the effort to end preventable deaths and require the right tools to succeed.
Governor Sang reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to the initiative’s goals, stating that no woman or newborn should die from preventable causes.
