By Sharon Onyango
Siaya County Referral Hospital has received a significant boost in its efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services following renewed support from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) and the Pregnancy Risk Infant Surveillance and Maternal Alliance (PRISMA) Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) studies.
The support, made possible through the collaboration between the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)-Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), reaffirms the long-standing partnership with Siaya County Referral Hospital aimed at enhancing the quality of care for mothers and newborns.
Following consultations with the hospital leadership and the necessary internal approvals, the CHAMPS and PRISMA study teams committed to supporting Siaya County Referral Hospital with essential maternal and newborn care equipment, including a baby resuscitaire /warmer, blood pressure machines, adult and pediatric pulse oximeters, a glucometer, wall and digital thermometers, thermo guns, and space heaters to enhance the quality of care for mothers and newborns.
Dr. Omondi Owino COH, reaffirmed the County Government's commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare through strategic partnerships, noting that the support from the CHAMPS and PRISMA studies will enhance the quality of care at Siaya County Referral Hospital. He appreciated the continued collaboration with LSTM-KEMRI and expressed confidence that the donated equipment will contribute to improved health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the County.
The initiative aligns with the County Government's commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality by strengthening healthcare systems and equipping frontline health workers with essential tools to deliver quality, life-saving services. It also underscores the value of the continued partnership between Siaya County Referral Hospital, CHAMPS, PRISMA, LSTM, and KEMRI in advancing maternal and newborn healthcare and improving health outcomes across Siaya County.