Kenya’s first Lady Rachel Ruto has commissioned a charity mission hospital in Segera, Laikipia County that is expected to address maternal health.
Speaking after she launched the state-of-the-art facility, Mrs Ruto said that the facility was a relief for residents since they have been traveling for long distances to get that crucial health service.
“Segera residents, you’re lucky. I have been told this is the only health facility in a radius of about 72 kilometres,” said the First Lady.
The hospital has a 30-bed capacity, pediatric wing, theatre, female ward, pharmacy, TB and HIV care section constructed by Segera mission, a charitable organization that fundraises to support local community projects.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said that his administration would embark on putting up health facilities in every location to prevent deaths when women are giving birth.
“We are directed by President Dr. William Ruto to value our people and especially on issues of maternal health. We have agreed with local leaders that in every location we will create a centre of excellence on maternal health,” said the governor, adding that the move will help avoid cases of women giving birth on their way to hospital, due to distance to hospital and restore their dignity.
Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere said that women have been losing lives as they try to seek medical attention in the area and the new hospital will ensure safe delivery and proper care for the new-borns and their mothers
“Our children will now be born safely and mothers will be safe too. To our sponsors may God bless you,” said the legislator.
Meanwhile, according to a report released recently by the World Health Organization, every two minutes a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, a major setback on women’s health calling for more concerted efforts for reducing maternal deaths and meeting global targets by 2030.
By Muturi Mwangi
