This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
Kenya's maternal mortality rates have long been a concern, with 400-600 deaths per 100,000 live births. The situation is likely to worsen with the Covid-19 pandemic, as limited healthcare services and low access to skilled care during childbirth put pregnant women at risk.
On April 23, 2020, the killing of Hamisi Juma Idd by police during the dusk-to-dawn curfew highlighted the dangers faced by pregnant women. Idd was shot while rushing a pregnant woman to hospital.
Statistics show that maternal deaths largely result from pregnancy-related complications. The delivery period is as fragile as the postnatal period, and it is not unusual to lose the lives of mothers who leave the hospital while okay.
According to the National Council for Population and Development, the northeastern region of Kenya records over 2,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, far above the national average.
As the government focuses on the coronavirus, pregnant women are left vulnerable. The curfew and movement restrictions will further jeopardize their health and well-being.
Police officers enforcing the curfew must be trained to handle pregnant women and others who may need support. The implementation of such orders or policies must be done humanely, even in the face of large crowds.
Strengthening the delivery of health services and social services is crucial to support pregnant women. This includes access to community health workers, prenatal services, basic needs like food, and essential social services like water and sanitation.
