Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has announced new measures to enhance maternal and newborn healthcare across Kenya, emphasizing financial access, emergency referrals, and safe blood availability.
Speaking on recent policy updates, CS Duale highlighted that the Ministry of Health has issued directives to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Digital Health Agency to facilitate maternity reimbursements for qualifying level 2 and level 3 facilities.
The directive follows a summit held on December 10 between the Council of Governors and national government leaders, chaired by the President.
“This ensures that SHA reimburses facilities at level 2 and 3, particularly in far-flung areas, reducing financial barriers at the point of service for maternal and newborn care,” he said.
CS Duale further revealed that the government has already paid social health premiums for approximately 50,000 pregnant adolescents, allowing them to access free antenatal, delivery, postnatal, and newborn care services.
He described the initiative as a deliberate effort to protect vulnerable young mothers, who face a higher risk of complications during childbirth.
“Financial ability must never determine the survival of a mother or a child,” he stressed, noting that the SHA benefit package is under review by the benefit package tariffs advisory panel to align with national maternal and newborn care guidelines.
In addition, the ministry is finalizing the rollout of a strengthened SHA-supported ambulance referral system.
The initiative aims to ensure that no mother dies while being transferred between facilities.
CS Duale described the referral system as “well-equipped with medics to provide dignity and care during transport.”
The Health Ministry is also reinforcing national blood transfusion services, recognizing safe and timely access to blood as a critical determinant of maternal survival.
CS Duale cited past challenges in counties like Samburu, where mothers previously had to wait for blood from far-off facilities, highlighting the importance of decentralized blood services.
“Today, Samburu will no longer depend on Nakuru for blood supplies. We are moving fast to save lives and ensure every mother and newborn has access to essential care,” he affirmed.
These measures mark a major push by the government to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, particularly in underserved and remote areas, while addressing systemic gaps in emergency referral and critical care infrastructure.
Stassi Schroeder net worth, TV career, bestselling books and business ventures
