Makueni: Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan has commended Kenya’s efforts to protect mothers and newborns, emphasizing that the care of premature infants reflects the compassion of any society. “Every life is precious, and every family deserves warmth and hope,” she stated during the 2025 World Prematurity Day commemoration held at the Makueni Mother and Baby Hospital. The event was themed ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future.’
According to Kenya News Agency, Ambassador Guo praised Kenya’s public awareness efforts, social mobilisation, and the nationwide compassion shown towards families caring for preterm babies. She reaffirmed China’s continued support for Kenya’s maternal and child health programs, expressing pride in contributing to a cause that safeguards vulnerable lives. The Ambassador highlighted China’s longstanding dedication to maternal and newborn health, driven by national reforms that have strengthened medical systems, expanded neonatal care training, and established a network of neonatal intensive care units. These experiences continue to shape China’s collaboration with Kenya in improving preterm infant survival.
Efforts to support preterm babies and their mothers have gained significant momentum as the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, through its Okoa Malaika initiative, rallied partners in renewed calls for policy reform and stronger neonatal care systems. The Foundation utilized the World Prematurity Day commemoration to spotlight persistent gaps in maternal and newborn health and to advocate for practical interventions that can improve survival rates among preterm infants.
Speaking during the event, Tessie Musalia, Chair and Patron of the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, emphasized the need to empower frontline community health promoters who serve as the first line of care for vulnerable mothers and infants. “It is imperative that we develop and strengthen the skill, ability, and resources of the Community Health Promoter to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability,” she said.
As part of the commemoration, Mrs. Musalia, through her Foundation, donated over six neonatal equipment units to referral hospitals in Makueni, Machakos, and Kitui counties. She said that these essential donations are expected to boost neonatal care in regions where preterm births remain a concern. She noted that children who were once in incubators but now stand healthy serve as a powerful reminder that saving fragile lives is not just an aspiration but a reality, describing each incubator as a triumph of partnership and compassion.
Mrs. Musalia also urged national and county governments to consider extending maternity leave for mothers of preterm infants, arguing that supporting mothers ultimately strengthens families and safeguards the country’s future. “When we support the mother, we strengthen the child, we uplift the family, and we safeguard the future. The creation of policy is an everlasting benefit,” she said.
Makueni First Lady, Anita Mutula, who was crowned Eastern Region Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador, called for concerted efforts from all key players to strengthen maternal and newborn care across the country. The Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador, Njoki Mambo, reaffirmed the program’s expansion in 22 counties. She emphasized the life-saving function of neonatal equipment, stating, “We believe the incubators we donated played a meaningful role. For a parent to hold a child fighting for breath without the support of an incubator is a pain no family should endure.” She described each incubator as “a symbol of hope” and pledged to continue amplifying the stories of preterm babies-her “little angels.”
As the Okoa Malaika program expands, the Ushiriki Wema Foundation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every preterm baby in Kenya receives the warmth, safety, and support needed to survive and thrive. Tessie Musalia urged the government, policymakers, employers, and partners to advocate for extended maternity leave for mothers of preterm infants. The event was held under the theme ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future.’
