The initiative, dubbed Uhai wa Mama, will see the expansion of access to quality obstetric care.
The initiative, dubbed Uhai wa Mama, will see the expansion of access to quality obstetric care.
The Uhai wa Mama na Mtoto (UMM) Project and the National Obstetrics Point-of-Care Ultrasound (O-POCUS) Guidelines were launched on November 4th in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to improve maternal healthcare and reduce maternal mortality. This initiative, led by Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, is designed to expand access to quality obstetric care, particularly through the standardization of ultrasound services across various levels of the healthcare system.
During the launch, Dr. Barasa addressed the critical challenges facing maternal health in Kenya, particularly the limited access to ultrasound services, which are often hindered by equipment shortages, lack of trained personnel, and high costs emphasizing”The introduction of the O-POCUS guidelines offers a timely solution to these issues. By standardizing the use of ultrasound technology at the point of care, the guidelines will help healthcare providers offer early interventions, improve monitoring of pregnancies, and facilitate timely referrals, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both mothers and their newborns.”
Dr. Barasa also pointed out that the guidelines align with Kenya’s National Health Policy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“By expanding access to affordable and timely ultrasound services, the O-POCUS guidelines offer a vital opportunity to address some of the key barriers to effective maternal healthcare in the country.”
” The guidelines will serve as a comprehensive framework for healthcare workers, policymakers, and training institutions, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality maternal care across the country, with a particular focus on underserved regions,” she added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also spoke at the launch, called on the Ministry of Health to focus on the implementation of the guidelines, stressing the urgent need to reduce maternal mortality. He stated that ” Kenya currently ranks fourth in Africa for maternal mortality, which is “unacceptable. Collaborative efforts are essential to reducing the number of women who die from pregnancy-related complications in the country.”
Dr. Barasa concluded by reiterating the importance of the O-POCUS guidelines which will help strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure and foster a healthier future for both mothers and babies.
“The launch of this initiative is a critical step toward improving maternal health in Kenya, with the potential to significantly reduce maternal mortality and improve the overall quality of care for pregnant women,” said Barasa.
Just wish to say your article is as surprising The clearness in your post is just cool and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work
Wohh precisely what I was searching for, thanks for putting up.
Great site. Plenty of helpful information here. I am sending it to some pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you on your effort!
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was searching for!
I’m usually to running a blog and i actually recognize your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and hold checking for brand spanking new information.