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How to improve maternal, child health care
A woman attending an antenatal clinic.
Article 43 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to the highest attainable standard of health. This provision recognises that maternal health is foundational to the well-being of communities and the nation at large. It is within this constitutional and moral framework that the Linda Mama initiative was designed.
This initiative, spearheaded by the former First Lady, signalled political will and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the lives of mothers and children. It was shaped to prioritise reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health.
It aligned Kenya with global best practices and reinforced the country’s obligations under international health frameworks. Its integrated approach, bringing together the private sector, government agencies, development partners and civil society, ensures more coordinated and impactful interventions.
The programme has since been scrapped and replaced with other interventions.
Persistent systemic gaps continue to undermine maternal health outcomes, sometimes even reversing existing gains. Critical shortages in skilled health personnel remain evident, particularly in rural and underserved regions where the burden of maternal mortality is highest.
Policy guidance
Financing constraints further strain service delivery, limiting the availability of essential commodities and the operational capacity of health facilities. Additionally, persistent inequities in the distribution of equipment and infrastructure compromise the quality of care.
There is need for clearer and more coherent policy guidance. Fragmentation across national and county health systems often results in confusion, duplication, inefficiencies and missed opportunities for synergy. Without strong policy alignment and accountability mechanisms, even well-intentioned initiatives risk falling short.
The Ministry of Health must therefore enhance collaboration with international health stakeholders, county governments, private sector actors and development partners to close these gaps. Strategic investments in resource mobilisation, human resources for health, sustainable financing models and equitable distribution of medical supplies are imperative.
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