Patrick Amoth highlights gaps in emergency obstetric care systems
By Faith Lagat, June 2, 2026Patrick Amoth, Director-General for Health, has highlighted progress in Kenya’s maternal healthcare system while pointing out gaps in emergency obstetric and newborn care.
He made the remarks during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, June 1, 2026, in the context of ongoing global efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
He noted that Kenya has recorded significant improvements in maternal health indicators, with nine out of ten mothers now delivering in health facilities under skilled care.
Antenatal care attendance stands at 68 per cent against a global target of 90 per cent for four visits, while postnatal care within 48 hours is at 78 per cent, close to the 80 per cent target. He said the first 48 hours after delivery remain critical due to the risk of complications such as bleeding, high blood pressure, and infections.
Maternal health progress and remaining gaps
Amoth said that despite these gains, Kenya continues to lag in emergency obstetric and newborn care services. He noted that the main challenge lies in how health facilities respond to obstetric emergencies that require immediate and skilled intervention.
“Where we are lagging behind is in how we handle emergencies,” he said.
He explained that inadequate emergency response contributes to preventable maternal complications, including obstetric fistula, which occurs when prolonged obstructed labour is not treated in time. The condition can lead to severe health and social consequences, including incontinence, stigma, and long-term disability.
Amoth said that improving emergency care systems is key to reducing such outcomes and ensuring safe childbirth for all mothers.
Health experts note that most maternal complications can be prevented with timely access to skilled care and well-equipped health facilities. Strengthening emergency obstetric services remains a central priority in reducing maternal deaths.
Global targets and health indicators
Amoth referenced global maternal health targets that Kenya is working to achieve, including improved antenatal attendance, skilled delivery, and postnatal care coverage. He said the country is making steady progress in most areas, particularly in facility-based deliveries and postnatal follow-up services.
He added that maternal and newborn health indicators show positive trends, but disparities remain in emergency readiness, especially in lower-level health facilities.
The global maternal health agenda, supported by international partners, focuses on ensuring timely access to care, reducing preventable deaths, and improving health system responsiveness during childbirth.
Government interventions and funding allocation
Amoth said the government is addressing existing gaps through increased investment in primary healthcare and maternal services. He cited ongoing reforms under the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, which aims to strengthen maternal and newborn health systems across the country.
He noted that resources have been allocated to support frontline facilities, including Ksh4 billion for primary healthcare services in level 2 and 3 facilities, Ksh1 billion for essential medical commodities such as heat-stable carbetocin and neonatal support drugs, and Ksh2.5 billion for family planning services.
The programme also includes efforts to improve staffing, infrastructure, and emergency response systems, alongside strengthened referral networks for maternal health emergencies.
Amoth said success in reducing maternal deaths depends on reinforcing basic health system functions, including accountability, supervision, documentation, and teamwork among healthcare workers.
He added that lessons from different facilities show that improved coordination and adherence to clinical procedures can significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths.
He said continued investment and implementation of reforms are expected to improve emergency obstetric care and bring Kenya closer to global maternal health targets.