Safaricom Foundation has launched a Ksh.3.2 million maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare programme in Baringo County.
The Foundation will build and equip at least three maternity wings and provide ambulances to the county to ease access of pregnant women to the facility.
This has been informed by the firm’s interest to reduce the county’s maternal and infant mortality rate.
The maternity wing will be stationed at Mugurin Dispensary and will serve more than 1,200 women.
Mugurin Dispensary received delivery and recovery beds, oxygen equipment blood pressure machines, baby weighing scales as maternity equipment packages.
“It is fulfilling to see many more women being able to receive maternity care as part of our partnership with the County Government of Baringo. We hope to reduce the infant and maternal mortality rates to near zero through fruitful partnerships and engagements with the community,” said Joe Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation.
Safaricom Foundation has been beneficial to Barwessa Health Centre, Baringo Referral Hospital and Chemolingot Sub-County Hospital through construction and renovation at a cost of Ksh.30 million.
It set aside Ksh.132 million to promote maternal, newborn and child health services around the country.
In Mombasa County, the newborn and maternity unit at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital has been renovated and equipped.
Places like Lamu, a maternal shelter in Witu was constructed and equipped as well as a newborn unit in Faza Island, which are currently serving over 2,000 people.
In Uasin Gishu, the newborn unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and the maternity wing at Moiben Sub-county Hospital also have equipment from the Foundation to improve service delivery.
