Maternal and Child Health in Kenya

Complications related to pregnancy are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among the Kenyan women. Majority of these deaths are due obstetric complications including hemorrhage, sepsis, eclampsia, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortion. However, healthcare providers, both in public and in private sectors, are making great strides in ensuring good maternal and child health (MCH). The Kenyan government has put in place policies and programs that aim to improve MCH services. Although there has been a remarkable decline in maternal and child mortality, there is need for more efforts to achieve better MCH.

Earlier Cost Implications

The out of pocket costs for maternity care services comprise a substantial proportion of the household income. Mean out of pocket costs for medical expenses related to normal delivery care represented 17% of monthly income, while complicated delivery care represented 35% in early 2000s.

In 2006, the mean out of pocket payment for normal and complicated deliveries in Kenya was approximately $ 18.4. Out of pocket spending for maternity services reduce as one moves to lower level facilities. The costs paid by women of the poorest quintile were not significantly different from those paid by the wealthiest women.

Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs)

TBAs are common in rural areas of Kenya and Africa. Their services are highly valued by the locals due to cultural considerations and accessibility. Only 33% of births in Kenya took place in the health facilities while 67% took place outside the formal health system in 2010. Recent studies indicate that delivery within the health facility or with a skilled attendant is much less common than antenatal care. Forty-two percent of women have a skilled attendant available at delivery, while twenty-eight percent deliver with TBA. The high percentage of women seeking the services of TBAs indicates the significant influence of TBAs on MCH. Many research findings propose the incorporation and training of TBAs in proper MCH care.

Free maternal healthcare

In an effort to achieve low mortality levels and increase accessibility to formal MCH care, the government of Kenya provides free MCH services. Although the services are financially accessible, the government needs to invest on infrastructure, quality of care, and personnel. These investments will promote geographical accessibility to timely and quality care.