Nakuru County has launched a comprehensive campaign to combat maternal deaths from postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a critical public health challenge that accounts for 25 to 45 per cent of maternal fatalities in Kenya. The initiative, part of the third edition of the End-PPH Foundation’s Run for Her, aims to raise awareness, improve healthcare interventions, and mobilize blood donations to address the preventable crisis. County Director for Medical Services Dr. Kevin Awere emphasized that PPH remains a major contributor to maternal mortality, with Kenya recording 355 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, as reported by the Ministry of Health. The campaign, which includes training for healthcare workers and community education, underscores the urgency of early detection and timely intervention to save lives.
The Nakuru edition of the Run for Her was inaugurated by Dr. Awere, County Chief Nursing Officer Wendy Tirop, and Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH) Director Dr. Santosh Devaraj. The event highlighted the importance of calibrated drapes—a direct blood measurement technique—to detect excessive bleeding during childbirth. Dr. Awere noted that PPH, which can occur within 24 hours or up to 12 weeks postpartum, is often misdiagnosed or detected too late, leading to preventable deaths. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, communities, and policymakers to address the issue effectively.
Medical experts define PPH as blood loss exceeding 32 fluid ounces after delivery, regardless of the birth method. Primary PPH occurs within 24 hours, while secondary PPH may develop up to 12 weeks postpartum. Dr. Awere explained that early intervention, including uterine massage, uterotonics, intravenous fluids, and timely referrals, is critical to managing the condition. The campaign also focuses on equipping midwives in low-resource settings with the skills to prevent and manage PPH, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2023 recommendation to use calibrated drapes for accurate blood loss measurement.
Ms. Tirop, the County Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the role of calibrated drapes in identifying blood loss thresholds. She explained that a loss of 250ml signals the need for immediate action, while 500-1000ml indicates a life-threatening situation. The County Government has prioritized distributing these drapes to healthcare facilities to ensure early detection. Ms. Tirop emphasized that evidence-based policies, informed by research data, are essential to improving maternal outcomes. She noted that delayed diagnosis and inadequate training contribute to high maternal mortality rates, particularly in rural areas.
The campaign culminated in a blood donation drive at NCRTH, underscoring the critical need for adequate blood supplies to treat severe PPH cases. Dr. Devaraj, NCRTH Director, stated that the national maternal and perinatal mortality surveillance report identified PPH as the leading cause of maternal deaths between 2018 and 2024. He reiterated that preventing and managing obstetric haemorrhage is central to Kenya’s efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths. The initiative combines public awareness with practical interventions, building on previous collaborations with the WHO, University of Nairobi, and other partners to train healthcare workers and evaluate heat-stable Carbetocin for PPH prevention.
The University of Nairobi’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology describes PPH as a leading global cause of maternal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Kenya’s national efforts to combat PPH are part of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026–2028, launched by the Ministry of Health in May 2026. The plan includes a KSh4 billion allocation through the Social Health Authority to expand maternal healthcare coverage and KSh1 billion for essential maternal and newborn health commodities via the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. Additionally, the government plans to recruit 5,000 nurses and midwives and establish 10 specialized 250-bed maternal and newborn health facilities in high-burden counties, including Nakuru.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has identified maternal haemorrhage, healthcare-worker skills, and access to technology as priority areas in national and international collaborations. Dr. Devaraj noted that the Nakuru campaign aligns with these efforts, emphasizing the role of frontline healthcare workers in detecting and managing obstetric emergencies. He highlighted the blood donation drive as a vital component of the response, as severe PPH often requires urgent transfusions alongside medical and surgical interventions.
The End-PPH Foundation has prioritized blood availability in its 2026 activities, focusing on strengthening blood collection, security, and supply systems. Dr. Devaraj stressed that sustained investment in skilled personnel, essential medicines, blood availability, and functional referral systems is crucial to reducing preventable maternal deaths. The foundation’s initiatives complement Kenya’s broader strategy to improve maternal and newborn health, which includes community engagement, policy reforms, and technological advancements.
A 2023 WHO-backed study involving over 200,000 women across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania revealed that prompt, bundled treatment—such as uterine massage, uterotonics, intravenous fluids, and immediate referrals—significantly improves outcomes. The study’s findings have influenced Kenya’s approach to PPH management, advocating for a shift from sequential treatment to comprehensive, rapid interventions. This aligns with the Ministry of Health’s push to standardize protocols and ensure healthcare providers can act swiftly in emergencies.
The Nakuru campaign reflects a growing emphasis on community-based solutions to address maternal health challenges. By involving survivors of PPH and local residents, the initiative fosters awareness and encourages proactive measures. Dr. Awere noted that the campaign’s success depends on sustained collaboration between healthcare institutions, policymakers, and the public. He called for continued investment in training, infrastructure, and research to build resilience against preventable maternal deaths.
As Kenya implements its 2026–2028 maternal and newborn health acceleration plan, the Nakuru campaign serves as a model for other counties. The integration of public awareness, clinical training, and blood supply management highlights the importance of a multi-pronged approach. With the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and the End-PPH Foundation’s advocacy, the fight against PPH remains a priority in the quest to achieve universal health coverage and reduce maternal mortality rates.
The initiative also addresses systemic gaps in maternal healthcare, such as delayed reporting of complications and limited access to specialized care. Ms. Tirop emphasized that early diagnosis is critical to determining the appropriate facility for treatment and ensuring timely referrals. She cited the 2023 WHO study as evidence that bundled interventions within 15 minutes of diagnosis significantly reduce mortality. This underscores the need for standardized protocols and adequate resources at all levels of care.
Nakuru’s efforts are part of a broader national movement to prioritize maternal health. The county’s collaboration with the University of Nairobi, WHO, and other stakeholders demonstrates the value of partnerships in driving sustainable change. As the EWENE plan unfolds, the focus on PPH prevention and management will remain central to Kenya’s progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths and improving healthcare outcomes for women and newborns.
The campaign’s emphasis on calibrated drapes and blood donation reflects a shift toward evidence-based practices and community engagement. By combining clinical expertise with grassroots initiatives, Nakuru is setting a precedent for other regions to follow. The success of this approach hinges on continued support from government agencies, healthcare professionals, and the public, ensuring that no woman dies from a preventable condition like PPH.
The Nakuru campaign highlights the critical role of early detection, timely intervention, and community involvement in combating PPH. As Kenya advances its maternal health agenda, the lessons learned from this initiative will inform future strategies to protect women’s lives and strengthen healthcare systems nationwide. With sustained investment and collaboration, the goal of eliminating preventable maternal deaths becomes increasingly attainable.
The initiative’s focus on PPH prevention and management aligns with global efforts to improve maternal health outcomes. By addressing systemic challenges and leveraging partnerships, Nakuru’s campaign exemplifies the power of coordinated action in tackling one of the most pressing public health issues. As the EWENE plan progresses, the county’s efforts will serve as a benchmark for other regions striving to reduce maternal mortality and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.