Mother and Child Hospital in Wote Achieves Remarkable Gains in Preterm Baby Survival

The Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, Makueni County, has recorded impressive improvements in the survival rates of preterm babies, marking a significant milestone in neonatal care from July 2024 to the present.

According to Francisca Kisilu, Head of the Newborn Unit, the introduction and consistent use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines have played a pivotal role in improving outcomes for these vulnerable infants. CPAP machines assist preterm babies—who often have underdeveloped lungs and insufficient surfactant, a critical substance that prevents lung collapse—by keeping their air sacs open and supporting surfactant production, thereby stabilizing breathing.

Further strengthening neonatal care is the Ministry of Health’s 2023 rollout of Caffeine Citrate, an essential drug used to manage apnea of prematurity—a condition common in infants born before 34 weeks gestation. Nurse in Charge Christine Muteria highlighted that while the drug was initially scarce, its steady supply, supported by a generous donation of 22,000 vials from the Clinton Health Access Initiative, has significantly improved treatment outcomes.

Francisca also pointed out that the use of infusion and syringe pumps has enhanced the precision and efficiency of intravenous fluid administration, easing the workload of neonatal nurses and ensuring better care delivery.

Maternal nutrition interventions have equally contributed to the success story. The county has prioritized nutritional screening during antenatal care, providing fortified blended flour and supplements to expectant mothers who meet specific criteria. Nutrition Officer Anncietta Nduku confirmed that these efforts have bolstered preterm birth management and improved overall outcomes.

To support these initiatives, the county government procured five CPAP machines, six infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps. Additional donations from ENI Kenya included two CPAP machines, four infusion pumps, two syringe pumps, incubators, infrared light therapy equipment for jaundiced babies, and Neonatal ICU apparatus, further enhancing the hospital’s capacity.

Francisca, a passionate advocate for neonatal care, has also spearheaded training for nurses and clinicians on the effective use of CPAP technology. She noted a marked decline in cases of respiratory distress and highlighted data from the Makueni County Referral Hospital’s Newborn Unit showing survival rates increasing from 81% in 2024 to 90% in 2025.

The hospital’s performance in the first quarter of 2026 is even more encouraging, with a survival rate of 98%, signaling a substantial reduction in neonatal mortality.

Dr. Stephen Mwatha, Acting Director of Preventive and Promotive Health, affirmed that since its adoption by the Ministry of Health, Caffeine Citrate has been consistently available across all delivery facilities in the county, cementing its role as a vital component of preterm care.

These advancements at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote represent a beacon of hope for preterm infants and their families in Makueni County, showcasing the impact of targeted investments, partnerships, and dedicated healthcare professionals in saving young lives.