Health stakeholders in Kwale County have raised concern over the alarming increase in maternal deaths, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.

According to statistics from the County Health Department, over 20 maternal deaths have been reported since January 2025, sparking fears of a worsening crisis if no timely action is taken.

Speaking during a media engagement forum organised under the Okoa Mama Na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) at Forest Lodge Hotel, the Founder and Director of the Fanikisha Foundation, Christine Mvurya, said most of the deaths are due to delays in accessing antenatal care services.

“We are deeply concerned. Many women still report to hospitals very late during pregnancy or labour, and this delay is proving fatal,” said Mvurya.

She said that despite the availability of maternal health services in local hospitals and health centres, a large number of women particularly in remote areas do not attend clinics early enough or frequently.

Mvurya also pointed out that lack of awareness, cultural beliefs and poverty are among the major contributing factors keeping expectant mothers away from hospitals.

“Some women, when referred to hospitals for specialised check-ups, fail to go due to financial constraints. They wait until the time of delivery when complications arise, often resulting in tragedy,” she said.

Mvurya stressed that many of the cases could be avoided if expectant mothers received proper antenatal care and followed through with referrals for further medical attention.

She also said that a number of pregnant women miss out on vital vitamin supplements, such as iron and folic acid, due to irregular clinic visits.

Mvurya said the situation often leads to preventable underlying health conditions like severe anaemia, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes all of which increase the risk of complications during delivery.

Early attendance

“In some cases, mothers are diagnosed late with conditions that could have been managed earlier if only they had access to consistent healthcare services. The end result is a painful loss either of the mother, the child, or both,” she said.

She urged the community, especially pregnant women, to begin antenatal clinic visits as early as possible, ideally within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Mvurya noted that early attendance allows healthcare providers to monitor the health of both the mother and the unborn child, identify risks, and provide crucial supplements and preventive care.

Mvurya emphasised that access to maternal health services is not a luxury or optional intervention, but a vital and mandatory process to safeguard the lives of both mother and baby. She added that pregnancy and childbirth come with unpredictable risks, regardless of whether it’s a first-time or experienced mother.

“Giving birth is not something one can be fully prepared for just by past experience. Every pregnancy is unique and may present different challenges,” she said.

She urged expectant mothers to make at least eight antenatal visits throughout their pregnancy, as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The required clinic visits, she explained, ensure timely detection of complications and access to necessary interventions.

However, she expressed concern that many women still wait until the final stages of pregnancy or even the onset of labour before seeking maternal care, a delay that often proves fatal.

Through the OMMI project, they are looking forward to partnering with the media and Kwale health department to intensify community outreach and education, especially in rural areas, to sensitise women on the importance of regular antenatal visits.

Mvurya said the initiative will also seek to address the challenges preventing women from accessing antenatal and maternal services in bid to raise a healthy generation.

Fanikisha Foundation advisor Edward Mumbo expressed concern over the continued loss of mothers during childbirth, despite the presence of hospitals and available health services.

“It is heart-breaking that in this day and age, women are still dying while giving birth, yet medical facilities and maternal care services are within reach,” he said.

Mumbo emphasised the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy journey, urging expectant mothers to prioritise their well-being and that of their unborn children.

He encouraged women to make full use of nearby health facilities for antenatal check-ups, delivery, and postnatal care, noting that timely access to these services can significantly reduce the risks associated with childbirth.

“Every woman deserves a safe delivery, and every child deserves a healthy start to life. The first step is seeking help early and consistently from qualified health professionals,” he said.