Kenya’s efforts to curb premature infant mortality and strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare have received a significant boost following the donation of state-of-the-art neonatal incubators to public hospitals in Narok, Kajiado, Kericho and Bomet counties by the Ushiriki Wema Foundation under its flagship Okoa Malaika programme.
The initiative marks a major milestone in the country’s quest to improve neonatal survival by equipping healthcare facilities with life-saving medical technology while enhancing the capacity of frontline healthcare professionals to deliver specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.
Addressing guests during the handover ceremony, Ushiriki Wema Foundation Patron, Her Excellency Madam Tessie Musalia described premature birth as one of Kenya’s most pressing maternal and child health challenges, emphasizing that every child deserves an equitable opportunity to enjoy a healthy start in life.
She said the Okoa Malaika programme is restoring hope to thousands of families by providing hospitals with essential neonatal equipment while strengthening the expertise of healthcare workers entrusted with caring for the country’s most vulnerable infants.
Tessie further reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to complementing government efforts in improving maternal and newborn healthcare, noting that strategic investments in life-saving interventions are fundamental to reducing preventable infant deaths and fostering healthier communities.
Narok County First Lady Agnes Ntutu applauded the partnership between the county government and the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, describing it as a transformative collaboration that will significantly enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare services within the county.
She observed that sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, modern medical equipment and skilled personnel remains indispensable in improving newborn survival rates, expanding access to quality healthcare and safeguarding the wellbeing of mothers and infants.
Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador Njoki Mambo described the initiative as a beacon of hope for families across the country, stating that no child should lose the opportunity to live simply because a healthcare facility lacks the specialized equipment required to provide critical neonatal care.
She called on both public and private sector stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system and guarantee every newborn the best possible chance at survival.
The Ushiriki Wema Foundation said the Okoa Malaika programme will continue expanding its footprint across public hospitals nationwide as part of its broader mission to bridge gaps in maternal and newborn healthcare, reduce preventable infant mortality and ensure every Kenyan child is afforded an equal opportunity to survive and thrive.
The initiative underscores the growing collaboration between philanthropic organizations and county governments in advancing universal healthcare and reinforces a shared national commitment to protecting the lives of newborns through sustainable, high-impact healthcare interventions.
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