Improving maternal health in Kenya: Challenges and strategies for low resource nations

Abstract

In order to improve maternal health in low-resource countries, a multifaceted, culturally and religiously sensitive approach is needed. This approach includes working for political stability, increasing women's level of education, economic empowerment, strengthening existing health management systems, and wisely allocating human and material resources. Critically important material resources such as access to and production of food and clean water must be a top priority. In Kenya, our constitution respects life from conception as an individual's right. This means that there is need to set up strategies that improve maternal health and by extension improve the health of the unborn baby.

Keywords:

• Maternal mortality
• Maternal health
• Abortion
• Abortion mortality
• Low resource nations

Notes

1 Available at http://www.who.int/pmnch/media/membernews/2011/20121216_kenyaparliament.pdf

2 Ibid.

3 Available at http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/82/8/595arabic.pdf

4 These are the authors' observations based on conversations with men, women, and youths in many churches, schools, and other institutions of learning.

5 Available at http://www.who.int/pmnch/media/membernews/2011/20121216_kenyaparliament.pdf

6 Available at http://www.c-hubonline.org/sites/default/files/resources/research-testing/Reproductive_Health_Strategy.pdf

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jean Kagia

Dr. Jean Kagia received her Bachelors in Medicine and Surgery, and Masters of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Nairobi University in Kenya. She is a founding member and Chairperson of the Protecting Life movement in Kenya, as well as founding member and first Chairperson of the Christian Medical Fellowship of Kenya. She is also a founding member of the Medical School Christian Union, and the Institute of Family Medicine. Dr. Kagia's memberships include the Christian Medical and Dental Association of the U.S.A., the Kenyan Medical Association, the Kenyan Hospital Association, and she is a Trustee of the Kenyan Medical Womens Association as well as the Fellowship of Christian Unions. Dr. Kagia currently serves as the Regional Secretary of the International Christian Medical and Dental Association of Eastern Africa, and the National Coordinator of Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics. She is married to Joseph, and has three grown children and one grandchild.