Kirinyaga records improvement in newborn survival with roll out of baby-friendly hospital initiatives As Kenya joined the globe in marking the World Breastfeeding Week, County Government of Kirinyaga has renewed commitment to implementation of all the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) so as to promote survival of newborns. The initiatives which aims at ensuring exclusive breast feeding for infants for six months after birth has been credited for improved baby survival in the county. The county has recorded improvements in newborn survival, with neonatal mortality dropping from 26 deaths per 1,000 live births to 10 per 1,000, significantly below both the national average of 21 and the internationally recommended benchmark of 17.2. The initiatives which includes; having an infant feeding policy that is routinely communicated to staff and parents, discussing importance and management of breastfeeding with pregnant women and their families, immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for mother and baby, training of staff to support breastfeeding, support mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and manage common difficulties. Other include enabling mothers and their infants to remain together and to practice rooming-in 24 hours a day and support mothers to recognize and respond to their infants’ cues for feeding among others. Speaking after a commemorative awareness walk by health workers, Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and residents through the streets of Kerugoya town, Director of Public Health Dr. Peter Irungu described breast milk as a child's "first vaccine," saying it plays a critical role in strengthening immunity and protecting infants against disease from birth. Dr. Irungu urged parents to follow national breastfeeding guidelines by initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery, exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first six months without introducing other foods or fluids, and continuing breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding up to two years and beyond. "Breastfeeding is the first vaccine every child receives. It strengthens immunity, supports healthy growth and gives children the best possible start in life," Dr. Irungu said. The event, held under the global theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," sought to raise awareness on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding while highlighting the county's continued investment in maternal, newborn and child health services. Participants who were carrying banners and placards called on families, employers and communities to support breastfeeding mothers. Speaking during the Launch of Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE), at the Statehouse, where Kirinyaga County was recognized as the best performing in maternal and child healthcare, Governor Anne Waiguru said Kirinyaga has made remarkable progress in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes through sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, skilled personnel and community-based interventions. She noted that antenatal care coverage in the county has increased from 45 percent to 63 percent, surpassing the national average of 61.3 percent, while the county continues working towards the global target of 87 percent. "We have made significant progress in ensuring mothers access quality healthcare before and after delivery. These improvements are reflected in better maternal and newborn outcomes across the county," said the Governor. Waiguru said maternal mortality has reduced from 88 deaths per 100,000 live births when she assumed office to 55 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure far below the national average of 355. She added that the county is targeting a further reduction to 55 by the end of the next financial year. The Governor also said deliveries assisted by skilled birth attendants have increased from 87 percent to 92 percent, while immunization coverage has risen from 81 percent to 91 percent, surpassing both the national average of 80 percent and the global target of 85 percent. "These achievements demonstrate that sustained investments in quality healthcare are saving lives and giving every child a healthier start in life," she said. County Executive Committee Member for Gender and Youth Affairs Millicent Ngari said breastfeeding lays the foundation for healthier families and stronger communities, urging both mothers and fathers to embrace shared responsibility in nurturing newborns. "We are encouraging mothers to breastfeed their babies, but we are equally asking fathers to support them because raising a healthy child is a shared responsibility. When children receive proper care from birth, we build healthier families and ultimately a healthier community," she said. Ngari noted that Kerugoya County Referral Hospital and other county health facilities continue to provide comprehensive maternal and newborn care, including specialized support for first-time mothers and premature babies until they are strong enough to be discharged home.…
