Nakuru:The County Government of Nakuru has launched a campaign aimed at combating Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal mortality, by focusing on early detection, treatment, and management of the condition.
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative is part of the broader End-PPH Foundation’s Run for Her program, which seeks to unite communities, healthcare professionals, and partners in raising awareness about PPH and mobilizing blood donors.
Dr. Kevin Awere, County Director for Medical Services, noted that maternal mortality rates are a major public health challenge, with Kenya reporting 355 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. He emphasized that PPH accounts for 25 to 45 percent of maternal deaths and highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to tackle this issue.
The campaign aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of midwives, particularly in low-resource settings, in PPH prevention and management. It also focuses on raising community awareness and advocating for policy changes to improve maternal health outcomes. Wendy Tirop, the County Chief Nursing Officer, stressed the need for health workers to be familiar with direct blood measurement techniques, such as the use of calibrated drapes, to detect excessive bleeding early.
The initiative is organized by the University of Nairobi, in collaboration with the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society and the Midwives Association of Kenya. The Nakuru edition was inaugurated by Dr. Awere, Ms. Tirop, and Dr. Santosh Devaraj, Director of Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH).
The campaign is part of Kenya’s national efforts to expand maternal and newborn health investments. This includes the Ministry of Health’s Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026-2028, which allocates additional funds and resources to improve maternal healthcare coverage.
Dr. Santosh explained that the current campaign combines public awareness with practical interventions, such as blood donation drives, to support women who experience severe bleeding during childbirth. He underscored the critical role of frontline healthcare workers in managing obstetric emergencies and the importance of maintaining adequate blood supplies.
The EndPPH Foundation has prioritized blood availability in its 2026 activities, focusing on strengthening blood collection, security, and supply systems. As Kenya implements its maternal and newborn health acceleration plan, sustained investments in skilled personnel, essential medicines, and functional referral systems will be key to reducing preventable maternal deaths.
