Kapenguria: A renowned non-profit organisation focused on improving community-based health systems in Kenya, Lwala Community Alliance, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health in efforts to advance maternal and child health care services in West Pokot County. The signing ceremony, held at the Department of Health offices in Kapenguria town, brought together senior medical officials, the County attorney, and other county government officials and representatives from Lwala Alliance.
According to Kenya News Agency, the partnership seeks to drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the region, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the county. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Lwala Alliance Chief of Programs, Sandra Mudhune, emphasized the shared vision between the two parties. Mudhune highlighted the organization's commitment to ensuring safe deliveries and thriving futures for children.
Mudhune detailed the organization's reason for choosing West Pokot, citing alarming statistics revealed by a deep data analysis. She noted that approximately 473 mothers die in every 100,000 births, according to the KNBS 2019 survey, a figure that demands urgent action. Mudhune stressed the importance of building local capacity and supporting frontline health workers with proper training and resources.
She pointed out that postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal deaths, which can be prevented with appropriate tools and response systems. West Pokot County Executive Committee Member CECM for Health, Clare Parklea, applauded the initiative, recognizing the critical need to address preventable maternal and child deaths in the county.
Parklea urged for broader collaboration to bridge existing health gaps and extend critical care to vulnerable populations. She expressed gratitude to Lwala for the partnership and made a passionate appeal for others to join in the mission to create lasting change in West Pokot.