Hundreds of residents from Loitokitok in Kajiado South Sub-County turned out for a community run aimed at raising awareness on postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of preventable maternal deaths in Kenya.
The event, organized by the Kajiado County Government in collaboration with health partners, sought to educate the public on the dangers of excessive bleeding after childbirth and to encourage expectant mothers to deliver in hospitals under skilled care.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Alex Kilowua, said the county had intensified efforts to improve maternal health by equipping local hospitals with modern tools, including the Non-pneumatic Anti-shock Garment (NASG), which helps stabilize bleeding patients before referral to higher-level facilities.
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“Postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the top contributors to maternal deaths in our county. We are urging mothers to seek skilled care and deliver in hospitals where timely interventions can be provided,” Kilowua said.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, Kenya’s maternal mortality rate stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, far from the national target of reducing the ratio to 70 by 2030.
Health officials said addressing preventable causes such as PPH, obstructed labour, and infections would be key to achieving this goal. They also emphasized the importance of antenatal care, nutrition education, and community-level sensitization.
“This is not just a health issue, it’s a community responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring no woman dies while giving life,” said one of the health workers who participated in the run.
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Women who attended the event shared their experiences, saying awareness campaigns had helped dispel myths around hospital delivery and encouraged safer practices.
The campaign ended with renewed calls for continued education and investment in maternal health, as residents pledged to support safer childbirth practices across the county.
By Masaki Enock
