The maternal mortality rate in Siaya County stands at 491 per 100,000, way above the globally recommended figures, County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Martin K’onyango, has said.

According to Dr. K’onyango, the county’s neonatal mortality rate is also high, standing at 25 per 1,000 live births, against the sustainable development goal targets of 12 per 1,000 live births.

Dr. K’onyango, however, said that efforts were being made to reduce the figures to the required level, adding that the county government was committed to improving emergency medical services for expectant mothers and newborns.

He was speaking in his office when he signed a public-private partnership with Rescue.co aimed at enhancing maternal and neonatal medical services in Siaya County.

The CECM said that timely intervention and care can prevent up to 75% of maternal deaths and half of new-born deaths, hence the need for improved emergency medical services.

‘Through this ground-breaking public-private partnership with res
cue.co, we are dedicated to enhancing maternal and neonatal emergency services in our county, ultimately ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and new-borns,’ said Dr. K’onyango.

Recue.co official Vicky Kaigai said 72% of the emergencies in most counties are maternal and neonatal.

Kaigai said that proper emergency response can help bring down mortality rates, adding that her organisation will use modern technology to coordinate emergency response.

‘We will be using our technology to help coordinate responses and will work with the county through its referral system and also with public and private ambulances,’ she said.

Source: Kenya News Agency