Safaricom Foundation, in partnership with AMREF and Narok County Government, has launched a maternal health programme known as “Afya Uzazi Salama“, which seeks to strengthen Reproductive, Maternal, Neo-natal, Child and Adolescent health outcomes (RMNCAH) in line with its 2023-2026 health strategy.
The launch took place at Nairegie Enkare,Narok East sub-county, where Safaricom Foundation has committed Sh61 million for the first year, while AMREF is set to contribute Sh11.8 million.
Speaking during the launch of the programme Thursday, Governor Patrick Ntutu, who was the chief guest, said this programme, along with the free medical camp being conducted, offers the residents of Narok County a unique opportunity for much-needed medical examinations and screening.
“The programme is a noble initiative that our worthy partners have made available to us as part of a collaborative effort in addressing the ever-present and ever-pressing challenges encountered in the provision of quality maternal and child healthcare services in Narok County,” Ntutu added.
Ntutu thanked all healthcare partners—the Safaricom Foundation, the Mpesa Foundation, Amref Kenya, and Zuri Health—for choosing to roll out the programme in Narok County.
The Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, Joseph Ogutu, said “Afya Uzazi Salama” is a three-year programme which would be implemented in Narok County in its first year, where it seeks to impact 158,000 beneficiaries.
“By collaborating with the County Government of Narok and AMREF on Afya Uzazi Salama, we seek to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the county, especially in remote areas,” Ogutu added.
The chairman added that Afya Uzazi Salama would advance health interventions for women of reproductive age, newborns, children under five, adolescent girls, and young women.
The programme would also strengthen community-based interventions that would increase access and demand for health services, particularly in maternal and child health as well as non-communicable diseases.
Deputy Country Director Amref Kenya Gilbert Wangalwa said AMREF is keen on strategic partnerships that could help fulfil the goals in the health sector and make a considerable difference towards improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in Narok County through Afya Uzazi Salama.
By John Kaleke
