By Sharon Onyango
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by the development of high blood pressure after 20 weeks of gestation, often accompanied by protein in the urine or signs of damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, or blood system. Without prompt treatment, the condition can rapidly progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening emergency marked by seizures.
Every pregnancy carries the promise of new life. Yet for millions of women around the world, that promise is threatened by a silent, unpredictable, and potentially fatal condition—pre-eclampsia.
As one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal deaths globally, pre-eclampsia affects an estimated 2 to 8 percent of all pregnancies. Approximately 12.2 percent of maternal deaths in Siaya County, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and timely intervention.
To strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers in managing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, the Department of Health and Sanitation conducted a Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) webinar focusing on Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy. The County's gynaecologist Dr. Michael Oduor and County's Reproductive Health Coordinator Ms. Pamela Josephine conducted a virtual learning/ training session which brought together healthcare providers, facility focal persons to enhance clinical knowledge, promote evidence-based management, and strengthen efforts to improve maternal and newborn outcomes while reducing preventable deaths across the county.
Routine antenatal care is the first line of defence against pre-eclampsia. Every antenatal visit should include blood pressure monitoring and screening for signs of hypertensive disorders. Women with elevated blood pressure should be promptly referred to high-risk antenatal clinics for specialized assessment and care.
The Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Dr. Omondi Owino, reaffirmed the commitment to improving maternal and newborn survival through continuous professional development and quality improvement. By equipping healthcare providers with updated knowledge and strengthening referral systems, the county is enhancing its capacity to detect, manage, and prevent complications associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy as it aligns with Rapid Response Initiative (EWENE) Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere.