Okoa Malaika Programme Boosts Newborn Care in Nyanza with 11 Neonatal Incubators.
By Sharon Onyango
Efforts to improve maternal and newborn health in the Nyanza region received a major boost following the handover of 11 neonatal incubators to six counties under Phase 9 of the Okoa Malaika Programme.
The handover ceremony was held at Lumumba Sub-County Hospital in Kisumu and brought together county health officials, CHPs, healthcare workers and leaders committed to strengthening newborn care and reducing preventable neonatal deaths.
The initiative is spearheaded by Ushiriki Wema Foundation under the leadership of its Chair, H.E. Tessie Musalia Mudavadi, who said the programme seeks to address critical gaps in newborn care, particularly for premature and vulnerable babies requiring specialized support.
Madam Tessie Mudavadi, who is also the Spouse to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, was accompanied by Kisumu County First Lady H.E. Mama Dorothy Nyong’o and Migori County First Lady H.E. Dr. Agnes Ochilo. The leaders also interacted with a new mother, Mary Achieng, and her newborn daughter Rosaline, presenting them with a postnatal gift bag.
Speaking during the event, Madam Mudavadi noted that many healthcare workers possess the skills and commitment required to save newborn lives but may lack essential equipment.
She linked the Okoa Malaika initiative to the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026–2028, launched by President William Ruto on 28 May 2026. The plan seeks to accelerate progress in maternal and newborn health through targets including increased antenatal care attendance, skilled deliveries, timely postnatal care and access to emergency obstetric and newborn care.
She said Ushiriki Wema Foundation supported the development of the EWENE Plan and is working to translate its commitments into practical interventions at county and facility levels.
“Through Okoa Malaika, we are demonstrating what EWENE implementation looks like at the facility level,” she said, emphasizing the importance of turning advocacy and national commitments into functional newborn-care services.
Representing Siaya County at the event were Dr. Godfrey Odhiambo, Chief Nursing Officer, and Pamela Josephine, Reproductive Health Coordinator. The two officials also represented the Ag. County Executive Committee Member for Health, Jacqueline Oduol, and the Chief Officer of Health, Dr. Omondi Owino.
The Siaya delegation joined other county representatives in discussions on strengthening maternal and newborn health indicators and ensuring that health facilities are adequately equipped to provide timely and quality care.
Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador Ms. Njoki Mambo described the programme as an Infant Pre-Term Mitigation Programme focused on improving the well-being and survival of mothers and children.
She commended Madam Mudavadi, county leadership and healthcare workers for supporting interventions that give premature and vulnerable newborns a better chance of survival.
Phase 9 adds to the growing number of health facilities equipped through Okoa Malaika across the country, addressing gaps in neonatal care that have previously contributed to referrals and limited access to incubators.
The initiative reinforces the importance of collaboration between government, county health departments, development partners and other stakeholders in strengthening newborn care and reducing preventable deaths.
For Nyanza counties, the provision of neonatal equipment represents an important step towards ensuring that premature and vulnerable newborns receive timely, safe and quality care closer to home.