KEWOPA Calls for Urgent Action to End Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths

 Ten women die every day while giving birth in Kenya, and an estimated 33,600 newborns lose their lives each year due to preventable causes. Maternal mortality currently stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality is 21 per 1,000 live births. Additionally, 15 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 experience adolescent pregnancies — a clear indication of persistent gaps in reproductive health services and education.

Speaking during the High-Level Parliamentary Sensitization on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) reaffirmed its commitment to saving lives and advancing health equity for women, children, and adolescents across the country.

KEWOPA noted that, while progress has been made through the Social Health Authority’s expanded coverage, investment in oxygen infrastructure, strengthened community health systems, and the professionalization of Community Health Promoters, critical gaps persist.

Currently, only 37 percent of health facilities in Kenya offer full emergency obstetric and newborn care, and access to essential newborn services remains limited.

KEWOPA is therefore calling for:

Expanded Social Health Authority coverage for newborns and maternal services,

Strengthened routine immunization and stabilization interventions, and

Establishment of fully functional Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in every county.

The association urged both national and county governments to allocate dedicated funding, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and ensure that no mother or child is left behind.

“Every mother deserves safe delivery, and every newborn deserves life-saving care,” KEWOPA emphasized.

Among leaders championing maternal health is Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, who has consistently advocated for maternal rights, improved child welfare, and enhanced support for nursing mothers.