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County Ministry of Health Moves with Speed to Save Mother’s Life in Mwingi

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The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Kitui County, led by waziri Ruth Koki, continues to demonstrate its dedication to quality healthcare, evidenced by its lifesaving work in challenging circumstances. A recent success story from Ngomeni Health Centre in Mwingi North Sub-County on October 19, 2024, stands as a testament to this commitment. In a case of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) — a leading cause of maternal mortality responsible for over 70,000 deaths annually in Kenya — the ministry’s swift response prevented a potential tragedy. The prompt and coordinated actions of the health team ensured that the affected mother would not be counted among these statistics, showcasing the county’s strong maternal health initiatives.

 

The case involved crucial coordination among key figures in the health department, including Chief Officers Lynn Kitwan, Aggrey Kamba, Dr Benson Musyoka and Director Francis. Their combined efforts enabled the rapid referral of the mother to Mwingi Level 4 Hospital, a higher-level facility equipped for complex interventions. Upon arrival, the mother was in a critical condition, with unrecordable blood pressure levels. The dedicated medical team acted immediately, providing her with a blood transfusion of two pints, which successfully stabilized her condition. This quick response underscores the ministry’s focus on rapid, effective patient care, which is essential in maternal health emergencies.

Under warizi  Ruth Koki’s leadership, the ministry’s focus on maternal health has contributed to significant reductions in maternal mortality rates across Kitui County. Currently, maternal mortality ratio stands at 253 per 100,000 live births, down from 330 per 100,000, according to the 2019 census figures. To further affirm this success, County Reproductive Health Coordinator Christine Sammy visited the patient, Naomi Munyithya, at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital to assess her condition. Naomi’s mother, Esther, also shared her relief and gratitude, confirming that both the mother and newborn were recovering well, a hopeful outcome for both the family and the ministry of health.

Today, Naomi and her newborn are home after being discharged on October 22, 2024, with care instructions that include medication and dietary recommendations to support recovery. She expressed heartfelt thanks for the exceptional care she received, recognizing that the team’s prompt actions likely saved her life. This case is a powerful example of the ministry’s critical role in protecting mothers and newborn in Kitui County. It underscores the importance of continued improvements in healthcare systems and the profound impact these advancements have on communities.

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