KEWOPA Calls for Enhanced Support to Reduce Maternal and Child Deaths

 

 The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has renewed its commitment to collaborating with development partners to implement reforms aimed at improving the health and welfare of mothers, newborns, and children across Kenya.

Speaking at a consultative engagement on strengthening the legal framework for maternal, newborn, and child health, KEWOPA Deputy Secretary Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben) emphasized the critical role of female lawmakers in shaping policies that protect women’s and children’s rights, promote gender equity, and uphold family dignity.

“Female legislators play a central role in shaping laws that protect the rights of women and children, advance gender equity, and uphold the dignity of families,” Prof. Bartoo said. “We value the support of development partners who work with lawmakers, but more can be done to better equip female legislators to advocate effectively for the welfare of mothers and children.”

The consultative session, convened by the Health NGOs Network (HENNET), brought together lawmakers, including National Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Hon. Dr. James Nyikal (Seme) and members of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA), to discuss strategies for reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates, which remain a pressing concern due to systemic barriers in accessing quality healthcare.

Participants highlighted the need for stronger oversight, clear commitments, and a unified approach to advancing reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health across the country.

“As KEWOPA, we remain committed to cross-party collaboration and constructive engagement to deliver reforms that safeguard health rights and ensure quality services reach every Kenyan,” Prof. Bartoo added.

Women MPs at the meeting reaffirmed their dedication to prioritizing the health and survival of mothers and children as part of their constitutional mandate, signaling a continued push for policies and interventions that save lives.