For years, Siaya County in Kenya has struggled with high child mortality rates, with an average of 63 deaths for every 1,000 live births. A 2024 survey by the Kenya Medical Research Institute found that inadequate health infrastructure was a major contributor to preventable deaths among premature babies. However, over the past three years, the establishment of newborn units at hospitals in Siaya and Bondo has started to change this picture.
The newborn units have been equipped with nine incubators, and healthcare workers have received specialized training. Additionally, the installation of cpap machines has helped to support the breathing of premature babies. According to Sylvester Ng'anda, the nursing services manager at the facility, the county has experienced high mortality rates for under-5s due to prematurity, often linked to asphyxia.
Premature babies weighing less than one kilogram at birth are now surviving and thriving against the odds. Emily Omondi, a 24-year-old mother, gave birth to her daughter Kayla at just 27 weeks, weighing 900 grams. Despite the challenges, Kayla is now a thriving baby, and Emily attributes her survival to the care she received at the Siaya county referral hospital.
Data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey shows that approximately 134,000 babies are born prematurely every year, out of about 1.5 million live births. The World Health Organization defines a preterm baby as one born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy, when vital organs, particularly the lungs, may not be fully developed.
The investment in newborn units has helped to cut premature baby deaths by half in Siaya county. Doreen Agina, a clinical officer at the newborn unit department, said that the cpap machines have been instrumental in supporting the breathing of premature babies. The non-invasive device can be deployed within minutes of delivery, helping to open and inflate a newborn's fragile lungs.
Siaya County Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Omondi Owino, emphasized that the investment in newborn units will not only save mothers but also ensure that babies can survive. Jacinta Auma, a mother whose son was born weighing 900 grams, is a testament to the success of the newborn units. Her son is now a picture of health, hitting milestones and bringing joy to his family.
The success of the newborn units in Siaya county is a reminder of the importance of investment in healthcare, particularly for babies who arrive in the world earlier than expected. As the world marks World Prematurity Day in November, families like Emily's and Jacinta's are celebrating the resilience of their tiny fighters and the care that gives them a chance to survive and thrive.
Key points
- Siaya County's newborn units have reduced premature baby deaths by half.
- The newborn units have been equipped with nine incubators and cpap machines.
- The investment in newborn units is saving preterm babies in Siaya County.
