This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Kenya has made significant progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, but the country still lags behind in providing adequate healthcare services to pregnant women and new mothers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya has a maternal mortality rate of 510 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is higher than the global average of 211 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The country's infant mortality rate is also high, with 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to the global average of 29 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Despite these challenges, the Kenyan government has made efforts to improve healthcare services for pregnant women and new mothers. In 2019, the government launched a new healthcare policy aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
The policy includes measures such as increasing access to antenatal care, improving emergency obstetric care, and strengthening healthcare systems to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers receive quality care.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of maternal and infant mortality in Kenya. This includes addressing poverty, improving access to education, and promoting gender equality.
