The Ushiriki Wema Foundation, through its Okoa Malaika programme, has broadened its neonatal care efforts by distributing incubators to 37 counties, aiming to reduce preventable newborn deaths. The initiative, led by Foundation Chairperson Tessie Musalia Mudavadi, focuses on equipping county hospitals with critical neonatal equipment to address gaps in care for premature infants. Recent distributions in Nyanza region saw six counties—Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Nyamira—each receiving two incubators, raising the regional total to 12 units valued at over Sh4 million. Nationally, more than 39 incubators have been allocated, with a combined value exceeding Sh13 million.
Mudavadi emphasized the need for collaborative action among government agencies, civil society, and development partners to achieve the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) 2026–2028 goals. Speaking at the handover ceremony in Kisumu, she highlighted that while some facilities have trained staff, many lack essential equipment to provide lifesaving care. She urged counties to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and long-term functionality of the incubators. 'Collective effort is vital to improve maternal and newborn survival,' Mudavadi stated, stressing that no single entity can resolve systemic challenges alone.
Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador Njoki Mambo noted the programme’s expansion to 37 counties, with distributions tailored to hospital needs. She explained that facilities with higher preterm birth rates receive priority, as some hospitals face demand for 10–20 incubators simultaneously. 'The need can never be enough,' Mambo said, calling for increased donor support to sustain the initiative. The programme plans to replenish existing beneficiaries while seeking new partners to scale its impact.
Kisumu County First Lady Dorothy Nyong’o reiterated the county’s commitment to reducing newborn mortality from 21 to 11 deaths per 1,000 live births. She advocated for integrating cancer screening into maternal healthcare, citing opportunities to screen women for breast and cervical cancer during prenatal visits. Nyong’o also promoted HPV vaccination for girls aged 10–13 and encouraged men over 40 to participate in prostate cancer screening. Her initiatives have reached 30 counties, with plans to expand through partnerships.
Migori County First Lady Agnes Ochilo thanked the foundation for allocating equipment to Migori County Referral Hospital, which serves cross-border patients from Tanzania and Uganda. She highlighted the facility’s role in addressing gaps in newborn resuscitation and premature care, noting that the donation would strengthen services for mothers and infants. Ochilo pledged to ensure the equipment is maintained and supported through training, emphasizing the importance of skilled healthcare workers in delivering safe care.
Homa Bay County Executive Committee Member for Public Health Grace Masi-Osewe underscored the importance of early maternal care, including identifying high-risk pregnancies and improving newborn units. She cited the National Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response programme as a key initiative, while acknowledging persistent challenges in caring for preterm and low-birth-weight babies. Masi-Osewe noted the county’s efforts to enhance neonatal care through community health promoters and facility upgrades.
The Ushiriki Wema Foundation, established in 2022, has prioritized neonatal health amid Kenya’s high preterm birth rates—134,000 to 193,000 annually—contributing to a neonatal mortality rate of 21 per 1,000 live births. With plans to reach all 47 counties, the foundation’s work aligns with national strategies to reduce preventable deaths. Mudavadi, also a co-founder of the Mudavadi Memorial Foundation Trust Fund, continues to champion initiatives that bridge healthcare disparities for vulnerable populations.
The foundation’s efforts reflect a broader push to address systemic gaps in maternal and newborn care, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for sustained investment and collaboration. As the programme expands, its focus on equitable access to life-saving equipment remains critical in improving outcomes for Kenya’s most vulnerable infants.