{"id":149218,"date":"2026-08-08T12:03:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T12:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/baby-friendly-hospital-initiative-cuts-newborn-deaths-in-kirinyaga\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T12:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T12:03:06","slug":"baby-friendly-hospital-initiative-cuts-newborn-deaths-in-kirinyaga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/baby-friendly-hospital-initiative-cuts-newborn-deaths-in-kirinyaga\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby-friendly hospital initiative cuts newborn deaths in Kirinyaga"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Kirinyaga records improvement in newborn survival with roll out of baby-friendly hospital initiatives<\/p>\n<p>As\u00a0Kenya\u00a0joined\u00a0the\u00a0globe\u00a0in\u00a0marking\u00a0the\u00a0World\u00a0Breastfeeding\u00a0Week,\u00a0County\u00a0Government\u00a0of\u00a0Kirinyaga\u00a0has\u00a0renewed\u00a0commitment\u00a0to\u00a0implementation\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0Baby-friendly\u00a0Hospital\u00a0Initiative\u00a0(BFHI)\u00a0so\u00a0as\u00a0to\u00a0promote\u00a0survival\u00a0of\u00a0newborns.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0initiatives\u00a0which\u00a0aims\u00a0at\u00a0ensuring\u00a0exclusive\u00a0breast\u00a0feeding\u00a0for\u00a0infants\u00a0for\u00a0six\u00a0months\u00a0after\u00a0birth\u00a0has\u00a0been\u00a0credited\u00a0for\u00a0improved\u00a0baby\u00a0survival\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0county.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0county\u00a0has\u00a0recorded\u00a0improvements\u00a0in\u00a0newborn\u00a0survival,\u00a0with\u00a0neonatal\u00a0mortality\u00a0dropping\u00a0from\u00a026\u00a0deaths\u00a0per\u00a01,000\u00a0live\u00a0births\u00a0to\u00a010\u00a0per\u00a01,000,\u00a0significantly\u00a0below\u00a0both\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a021\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0internationally\u00a0recommended\u00a0benchmark\u00a0of\u00a017.2.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0initiatives\u00a0which\u00a0includes;\u00a0having\u00a0an\u00a0infant\u00a0feeding\u00a0policy\u00a0that\u00a0is\u00a0routinely\u00a0communicated\u00a0to\u00a0staff\u00a0and\u00a0parents,\u00a0discussing\u00a0importance\u00a0and\u00a0management\u00a0of\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0with\u00a0pregnant\u00a0women\u00a0and\u00a0their\u00a0families,\u00a0immediate\u00a0and\u00a0uninterrupted\u00a0skin-to-skin\u00a0contact\u00a0for\u00a0mother\u00a0and\u00a0baby,\u00a0training\u00a0of\u00a0staff\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0breastfeeding,\u00a0support\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0initiate\u00a0and\u00a0maintain\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0and\u00a0manage\u00a0common\u00a0difficulties.\u00a0Other\u00a0include\u00a0enabling\u00a0mothers\u00a0and\u00a0their\u00a0infants\u00a0to\u00a0remain\u00a0together\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0practice\u00a0rooming-in\u00a024\u00a0hours\u00a0a\u00a0day\u00a0and\u00a0support\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0recognize\u00a0and\u00a0respond\u00a0to\u00a0their\u00a0infants\u2019\u00a0cues\u00a0for\u00a0feeding\u00a0among\u00a0others.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking\u00a0after\u00a0a\u00a0commemorative\u00a0awareness\u00a0walk\u00a0by\u00a0health\u00a0workers,\u00a0Community\u00a0Health\u00a0Promoters\u00a0(CHPs)\u00a0and\u00a0residents\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0streets\u00a0of\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0town,\u00a0Director\u00a0of\u00a0Public\u00a0Health\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Peter\u00a0Irungu\u00a0described\u00a0breast\u00a0milk\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0child\u2019s\u00a0\u201cfirst\u00a0vaccine,\u201d\u00a0saying\u00a0it\u00a0plays\u00a0a\u00a0critical\u00a0role\u00a0in\u00a0strengthening\u00a0immunity\u00a0and\u00a0protecting\u00a0infants\u00a0against\u00a0disease\u00a0from\u00a0birth.<\/p>\n<p>Dr.\u00a0Irungu\u00a0urged\u00a0parents\u00a0to\u00a0follow\u00a0national\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0guidelines\u00a0by\u00a0initiating\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0hour\u00a0after\u00a0delivery,\u00a0exclusively\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0infants\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0six\u00a0months\u00a0without\u00a0introducing\u00a0other\u00a0foods\u00a0or\u00a0fluids,\u00a0and\u00a0continuing\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0alongside\u00a0complementary\u00a0feeding\u00a0up\u00a0to\u00a0two\u00a0years\u00a0and\u00a0beyond.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBreastfeeding\u00a0is\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0vaccine\u00a0every\u00a0child\u00a0receives.\u00a0It\u00a0strengthens\u00a0immunity,\u00a0supports\u00a0healthy\u00a0growth\u00a0and\u00a0gives\u00a0children\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0possible\u00a0start\u00a0in\u00a0life,\u201d\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Irungu\u00a0said.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0event,\u00a0held\u00a0under\u00a0the\u00a0global\u00a0theme\u00a0\u201cBreastfeeding\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0Sustainable\u00a0Start\u00a0in\u00a0Life:\u00a0Strengthen\u00a0What\u00a0Works,\u201d\u00a0sought\u00a0to\u00a0raise\u00a0awareness\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0importance\u00a0of\u00a0exclusive\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0while\u00a0highlighting\u00a0the\u00a0county\u2019s\u00a0continued\u00a0investment\u00a0in\u00a0maternal,\u00a0newborn\u00a0and\u00a0child\u00a0health\u00a0services.\u00a0Participants\u00a0who\u00a0were\u00a0carrying\u00a0banners\u00a0and\u00a0placards\u00a0called\u00a0on\u00a0families,\u00a0employers\u00a0and\u00a0communities\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0mothers.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking\u00a0during\u00a0the\u00a0Launch\u00a0of\u00a0Every\u00a0Woman\u00a0Every\u00a0Newborn\u00a0Everywhere\u00a0(EWENE),\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0Statehouse,\u00a0where\u00a0Kirinyaga\u00a0County\u00a0was\u00a0recognized\u00a0as\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0performing\u00a0in\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0child\u00a0healthcare,\u00a0Governor\u00a0Anne\u00a0Waiguru\u00a0said\u00a0Kirinyaga\u00a0has\u00a0made\u00a0remarkable\u00a0progress\u00a0in\u00a0improving\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0newborn\u00a0health\u00a0outcomes\u00a0through\u00a0sustained\u00a0investments\u00a0in\u00a0healthcare\u00a0infrastructure,\u00a0skilled\u00a0personnel\u00a0and\u00a0community-based\u00a0interventions.<\/p>\n<p>She\u00a0noted\u00a0that\u00a0antenatal\u00a0care\u00a0coverage\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0county\u00a0has\u00a0increased\u00a0from\u00a045\u00a0percent\u00a0to\u00a063\u00a0percent,\u00a0surpassing\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a061.3\u00a0percent,\u00a0while\u00a0the\u00a0county\u00a0continues\u00a0working\u00a0towards\u00a0the\u00a0global\u00a0target\u00a0of\u00a087\u00a0percent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u00a0have\u00a0made\u00a0significant\u00a0progress\u00a0in\u00a0ensuring\u00a0mothers\u00a0access\u00a0quality\u00a0healthcare\u00a0before\u00a0and\u00a0after\u00a0delivery.\u00a0These\u00a0improvements\u00a0are\u00a0reflected\u00a0in\u00a0better\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0newborn\u00a0outcomes\u00a0across\u00a0the\u00a0county,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0the\u00a0Governor.<\/p>\n<p>Waiguru\u00a0said\u00a0maternal\u00a0mortality\u00a0has\u00a0reduced\u00a0from\u00a088\u00a0deaths\u00a0per\u00a0100,000\u00a0live\u00a0births\u00a0when\u00a0she\u00a0assumed\u00a0office\u00a0to\u00a055\u00a0deaths\u00a0per\u00a0100,000\u00a0live\u00a0births,\u00a0a\u00a0figure\u00a0far\u00a0below\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a0355.\u00a0She\u00a0added\u00a0that\u00a0the\u00a0county\u00a0is\u00a0targeting\u00a0a\u00a0further\u00a0reduction\u00a0to\u00a055\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0end\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0next\u00a0financial\u00a0year.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0Governor\u00a0also\u00a0said\u00a0deliveries\u00a0assisted\u00a0by\u00a0skilled\u00a0birth\u00a0attendants\u00a0have\u00a0increased\u00a0from\u00a087\u00a0percent\u00a0to\u00a092\u00a0percent,\u00a0while\u00a0immunization\u00a0coverage\u00a0has\u00a0risen\u00a0from\u00a081\u00a0percent\u00a0to\u00a091\u00a0percent,\u00a0surpassing\u00a0both\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a080\u00a0percent\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0global\u00a0target\u00a0of\u00a085\u00a0percent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese\u00a0achievements\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0that\u00a0sustained\u00a0investments\u00a0in\u00a0quality\u00a0healthcare\u00a0are\u00a0saving\u00a0lives\u00a0and\u00a0giving\u00a0every\u00a0child\u00a0a\u00a0healthier\u00a0start\u00a0in\u00a0life,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said.<\/p>\n<p>County\u00a0Executive\u00a0Committee\u00a0Member\u00a0for\u00a0Gender\u00a0and\u00a0Youth\u00a0Affairs\u00a0Millicent\u00a0Ngari\u00a0said\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0lays\u00a0the\u00a0foundation\u00a0for\u00a0healthier\u00a0families\u00a0and\u00a0stronger\u00a0communities,\u00a0urging\u00a0both\u00a0mothers\u00a0and\u00a0fathers\u00a0to\u00a0embrace\u00a0shared\u00a0responsibility\u00a0in\u00a0nurturing\u00a0newborns.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u00a0are\u00a0encouraging\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0breastfeed\u00a0their\u00a0babies,\u00a0but\u00a0we\u00a0are\u00a0equally\u00a0asking\u00a0fathers\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0them\u00a0because\u00a0raising\u00a0a\u00a0healthy\u00a0child\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0shared\u00a0responsibility.\u00a0When\u00a0children\u00a0receive\u00a0proper\u00a0care\u00a0from\u00a0birth,\u00a0we\u00a0build\u00a0healthier\u00a0families\u00a0and\u00a0ultimately\u00a0a\u00a0healthier\u00a0community,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said.<\/p>\n<p>Ngari\u00a0noted\u00a0that\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0County\u00a0Referral\u00a0Hospital\u00a0and\u00a0other\u00a0county\u00a0health\u00a0facilities\u00a0continue\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0comprehensive\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0newborn\u00a0care,\u00a0including\u00a0specialized\u00a0support\u00a0for\u00a0first-time\u00a0mothers\u00a0and\u00a0premature\u00a0babies\u00a0until\u00a0they\u00a0are\u00a0strong\u00a0enough\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0discharged\u00a0home.<\/p>\n<p>County\u00a0Nutrition\u00a0Officer\u00a0Dennis\u00a0Murimi\u00a0called\u00a0on\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0prioritize\u00a0good\u00a0nutrition\u00a0during\u00a0the\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0period\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0adequate\u00a0milk\u00a0production\u00a0and\u00a0improve\u00a0infant\u00a0health.<\/p>\n<p>He\u00a0encouraged\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0consume\u00a0balanced\u00a0diets,\u00a0drink\u00a0enough\u00a0fluids\u00a0and\u00a0seek\u00a0professional\u00a0guidance\u00a0whenever\u00a0they\u00a0experience\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0challenges.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u00a0want\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0understand\u00a0that\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0is\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0start\u00a0in\u00a0life.\u00a0Good\u00a0nutrition,\u00a0adequate\u00a0rest\u00a0and\u00a0support\u00a0from\u00a0families\u00a0and\u00a0communities\u00a0make\u00a0it\u00a0easier\u00a0for\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0successfully\u00a0breastfeed\u00a0their\u00a0children,\u201d\u00a0he\u00a0said.<\/p>\n<p>Murimi\u00a0added\u00a0that\u00a0nutritionists\u00a0and\u00a0healthcare\u00a0workers\u00a0across\u00a0Kirinyaga\u2019s\u00a0health\u00a0facilities\u00a0remain\u00a0available\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0counselling\u00a0on\u00a0proper\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0techniques\u00a0and\u00a0maternal\u00a0nutrition,\u00a0emphasizing\u00a0that\u00a0no\u00a0mother\u00a0should\u00a0struggle\u00a0alone.<\/p>\n<p>Denis\u00a0Maina,\u00a0a\u00a0nurse\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0hospital\u2019s\u00a0Newborn\u00a0Unit,\u00a0said\u00a0healthcare\u00a0workers\u00a0continue\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0premature\u00a0and\u00a0low\u00a0birth\u00a0weight\u00a0babies\u00a0through\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0and\u00a0exclusive\u00a0breastfeeding.<\/p>\n<p>He\u00a0explained\u00a0that\u00a0mothers\u00a0admitted\u00a0with\u00a0preterm\u00a0babies\u00a0receive\u00a0practical\u00a0training\u00a0on\u00a0proper\u00a0baby\u00a0attachment,\u00a0breast\u00a0milk\u00a0expression\u00a0and\u00a0feeding\u00a0techniques\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0newborns\u00a0receive\u00a0adequate\u00a0nutrition\u00a0for\u00a0healthy\u00a0growth.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u00a0encourage\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0exclusively\u00a0breastfeed\u00a0because\u00a0breast\u00a0milk\u00a0provides\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0nutrients\u00a0babies\u00a0need,\u00a0boosts\u00a0immunity\u00a0and\u00a0strengthens\u00a0the\u00a0bond\u00a0between\u00a0mother\u00a0and\u00a0child,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Maina.<\/p>\n<p>Maina\u00a0added\u00a0that\u00a0babies\u00a0admitted\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0unit\u00a0are\u00a0closely\u00a0monitored\u00a0through\u00a0regular\u00a0weight\u00a0checks,\u00a0nutritional\u00a0assessments\u00a0and\u00a0follow-up\u00a0care\u00a0until\u00a0they\u00a0are\u00a0discharged\u00a0and\u00a0continue\u00a0receiving\u00a0support\u00a0during\u00a0clinic\u00a0visits.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0celebrations\u00a0also\u00a0showcased\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0County\u00a0Referral\u00a0Hospital\u2019s\u00a0specialized\u00a0newborn\u00a0care\u00a0services,\u00a0including\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0and\u00a0lactation\u00a0support\u00a0programmes\u00a0that\u00a0help\u00a0premature\u00a0and\u00a0low\u00a0birth\u00a0weight\u00a0babies\u00a0recover\u00a0faster\u00a0while\u00a0equipping\u00a0mothers\u00a0with\u00a0practical\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0skills.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0impact\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0county\u2019s\u00a0specialized\u00a0newborn\u00a0care\u00a0services\u00a0was\u00a0evident\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0testimony\u00a0of\u00a0Nancy\u00a0Gladys,\u00a0a\u00a0nursing\u00a0mother\u00a0whose\u00a0premature\u00a0baby\u00a0has\u00a0been\u00a0receiving\u00a0treatment\u00a0at\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0County\u00a0Referral\u00a0Hospital.<\/p>\n<p>Gladys\u00a0said\u00a0she\u00a0was\u00a0admitted\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0facility\u00a0on\u00a0May\u00a031\u00a0after\u00a0delivering\u00a0her\u00a0baby\u00a0at\u00a0just\u00a027\u00a0weeks\u00a0of\u00a0pregnancy.\u00a0At\u00a0birth,\u00a0the\u00a0infant\u00a0weighed\u00a0only\u00a0840\u00a0grams,\u00a0but\u00a0after\u00a0weeks\u00a0of\u00a0specialized\u00a0care,\u00a0the\u00a0baby\u00a0now\u00a0weighs\u00a01.79\u00a0kilograms\u00a0and\u00a0is\u00a0almost\u00a0ready\u00a0for\u00a0discharge.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u00a0came\u00a0here\u00a0on\u00a0May\u00a031\u00a0when\u00a0my\u00a0baby\u00a0was\u00a0born\u00a0at\u00a027\u00a0weeks\u00a0and\u00a0weighed\u00a0only\u00a0840\u00a0grams.\u00a0From\u00a0the\u00a0time\u00a0we\u00a0arrived\u00a0until\u00a0now,\u00a0I\u00a0have\u00a0received\u00a0so\u00a0much\u00a0help\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a0doctors\u00a0and\u00a0nurses.\u00a0The\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0programme\u00a0has\u00a0also\u00a0helped\u00a0me\u00a0a\u00a0lot,\u00a0my\u00a0baby\u00a0now\u00a0weighs\u00a01.79\u00a0kilograms\u00a0and\u00a0is\u00a0almost\u00a0ready\u00a0to\u00a0go\u00a0home,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kbc.co.ke\/baby-friendly-hospital-initiative-cuts-newborn-deaths-in-kirinyaga\/\">Baby-friendly hospital initiative cuts newborn deaths in Kirinyaga<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kbc.co.ke\/\">KBC Digital<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kirinyaga records improvement in newborn survival with roll out of baby-friendly hospital initiatives As\u00a0Kenya\u00a0joined\u00a0the\u00a0globe\u00a0in\u00a0marking\u00a0the\u00a0World\u00a0Breastfeeding\u00a0Week,\u00a0County\u00a0Government\u00a0of\u00a0Kirinyaga\u00a0has\u00a0renewed\u00a0commitment\u00a0to\u00a0implementation\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0Baby-friendly\u00a0Hospital\u00a0Initiative\u00a0(BFHI)\u00a0so\u00a0as\u00a0to\u00a0promote\u00a0survival\u00a0of\u00a0newborns. The\u00a0initiatives\u00a0which\u00a0aims\u00a0at\u00a0ensuring\u00a0exclusive\u00a0breast\u00a0feeding\u00a0for\u00a0infants\u00a0for\u00a0six\u00a0months\u00a0after\u00a0birth\u00a0has\u00a0been\u00a0credited\u00a0for\u00a0improved\u00a0baby\u00a0survival\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0county. The\u00a0county\u00a0has\u00a0recorded\u00a0improvements\u00a0in\u00a0newborn\u00a0survival,\u00a0with\u00a0neonatal\u00a0mortality\u00a0dropping\u00a0from\u00a026\u00a0deaths\u00a0per\u00a01,000\u00a0live\u00a0births\u00a0to\u00a010\u00a0per\u00a01,000,\u00a0significantly\u00a0below\u00a0both\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a021\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0internationally\u00a0recommended\u00a0benchmark\u00a0of\u00a017.2. The\u00a0initiatives\u00a0which\u00a0includes;\u00a0having\u00a0an\u00a0infant\u00a0feeding\u00a0policy\u00a0that\u00a0is\u00a0routinely\u00a0communicated\u00a0to\u00a0staff\u00a0and\u00a0parents,\u00a0discussing\u00a0importance\u00a0and\u00a0management\u00a0of\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0with\u00a0pregnant\u00a0women\u00a0and\u00a0their\u00a0families,\u00a0immediate\u00a0and\u00a0uninterrupted\u00a0skin-to-skin\u00a0contact\u00a0for\u00a0mother\u00a0and\u00a0baby,\u00a0training\u00a0of\u00a0staff\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0breastfeeding,\u00a0support\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0initiate\u00a0and\u00a0maintain\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0and\u00a0manage\u00a0common\u00a0difficulties.\u00a0Other\u00a0include\u00a0enabling\u00a0mothers\u00a0and\u00a0their\u00a0infants\u00a0to\u00a0remain\u00a0together\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0practice\u00a0rooming-in\u00a024\u00a0hours\u00a0a\u00a0day\u00a0and\u00a0support\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0recognize\u00a0and\u00a0respond\u00a0to\u00a0their\u00a0infants\u2019\u00a0cues\u00a0for\u00a0feeding\u00a0among\u00a0others. Speaking\u00a0after\u00a0a\u00a0commemorative\u00a0awareness\u00a0walk\u00a0by\u00a0health\u00a0workers,\u00a0Community\u00a0Health\u00a0Promoters\u00a0(CHPs)\u00a0and\u00a0residents\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0streets\u00a0of\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0town,\u00a0Director\u00a0of\u00a0Public\u00a0Health\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Peter\u00a0Irungu\u00a0described\u00a0breast\u00a0milk\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0child\u2019s\u00a0\u201cfirst\u00a0vaccine,\u201d\u00a0saying\u00a0it\u00a0plays\u00a0a\u00a0critical\u00a0role\u00a0in\u00a0strengthening\u00a0immunity\u00a0and\u00a0protecting\u00a0infants\u00a0against\u00a0disease\u00a0from\u00a0birth. Dr.\u00a0Irungu\u00a0urged\u00a0parents\u00a0to\u00a0follow\u00a0national\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0guidelines\u00a0by\u00a0initiating\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0hour\u00a0after\u00a0delivery,\u00a0exclusively\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0infants\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0six\u00a0months\u00a0without\u00a0introducing\u00a0other\u00a0foods\u00a0or\u00a0fluids,\u00a0and\u00a0continuing\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0alongside\u00a0complementary\u00a0feeding\u00a0up\u00a0to\u00a0two\u00a0years\u00a0and\u00a0beyond. \u201cBreastfeeding\u00a0is\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0vaccine\u00a0every\u00a0child\u00a0receives.\u00a0It\u00a0strengthens\u00a0immunity,\u00a0supports\u00a0healthy\u00a0growth\u00a0and\u00a0gives\u00a0children\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0possible\u00a0start\u00a0in\u00a0life,\u201d\u00a0Dr.\u00a0Irungu\u00a0said. The\u00a0event,\u00a0held\u00a0under\u00a0the\u00a0global\u00a0theme\u00a0\u201cBreastfeeding\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0Sustainable\u00a0Start\u00a0in\u00a0Life:\u00a0Strengthen\u00a0What\u00a0Works,\u201d\u00a0sought\u00a0to\u00a0raise\u00a0awareness\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0importance\u00a0of\u00a0exclusive\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0while\u00a0highlighting\u00a0the\u00a0county\u2019s\u00a0continued\u00a0investment\u00a0in\u00a0maternal,\u00a0newborn\u00a0and\u00a0child\u00a0health\u00a0services.\u00a0Participants\u00a0who\u00a0were\u00a0carrying\u00a0banners\u00a0and\u00a0placards\u00a0called\u00a0on\u00a0families,\u00a0employers\u00a0and\u00a0communities\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0mothers. Speaking\u00a0during\u00a0the\u00a0Launch\u00a0of\u00a0Every\u00a0Woman\u00a0Every\u00a0Newborn\u00a0Everywhere\u00a0(EWENE),\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0Statehouse,\u00a0where\u00a0Kirinyaga\u00a0County\u00a0was\u00a0recognized\u00a0as\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0performing\u00a0in\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0child\u00a0healthcare,\u00a0Governor\u00a0Anne\u00a0Waiguru\u00a0said\u00a0Kirinyaga\u00a0has\u00a0made\u00a0remarkable\u00a0progress\u00a0in\u00a0improving\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0newborn\u00a0health\u00a0outcomes\u00a0through\u00a0sustained\u00a0investments\u00a0in\u00a0healthcare\u00a0infrastructure,\u00a0skilled\u00a0personnel\u00a0and\u00a0community-based\u00a0interventions. She\u00a0noted\u00a0that\u00a0antenatal\u00a0care\u00a0coverage\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0county\u00a0has\u00a0increased\u00a0from\u00a045\u00a0percent\u00a0to\u00a063\u00a0percent,\u00a0surpassing\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a061.3\u00a0percent,\u00a0while\u00a0the\u00a0county\u00a0continues\u00a0working\u00a0towards\u00a0the\u00a0global\u00a0target\u00a0of\u00a087\u00a0percent. \u201cWe\u00a0have\u00a0made\u00a0significant\u00a0progress\u00a0in\u00a0ensuring\u00a0mothers\u00a0access\u00a0quality\u00a0healthcare\u00a0before\u00a0and\u00a0after\u00a0delivery.\u00a0These\u00a0improvements\u00a0are\u00a0reflected\u00a0in\u00a0better\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0newborn\u00a0outcomes\u00a0across\u00a0the\u00a0county,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0the\u00a0Governor. Waiguru\u00a0said\u00a0maternal\u00a0mortality\u00a0has\u00a0reduced\u00a0from\u00a088\u00a0deaths\u00a0per\u00a0100,000\u00a0live\u00a0births\u00a0when\u00a0she\u00a0assumed\u00a0office\u00a0to\u00a055\u00a0deaths\u00a0per\u00a0100,000\u00a0live\u00a0births,\u00a0a\u00a0figure\u00a0far\u00a0below\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a0355.\u00a0She\u00a0added\u00a0that\u00a0the\u00a0county\u00a0is\u00a0targeting\u00a0a\u00a0further\u00a0reduction\u00a0to\u00a055\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0end\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0next\u00a0financial\u00a0year. The\u00a0Governor\u00a0also\u00a0said\u00a0deliveries\u00a0assisted\u00a0by\u00a0skilled\u00a0birth\u00a0attendants\u00a0have\u00a0increased\u00a0from\u00a087\u00a0percent\u00a0to\u00a092\u00a0percent,\u00a0while\u00a0immunization\u00a0coverage\u00a0has\u00a0risen\u00a0from\u00a081\u00a0percent\u00a0to\u00a091\u00a0percent,\u00a0surpassing\u00a0both\u00a0the\u00a0national\u00a0average\u00a0of\u00a080\u00a0percent\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0global\u00a0target\u00a0of\u00a085\u00a0percent. \u201cThese\u00a0achievements\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0that\u00a0sustained\u00a0investments\u00a0in\u00a0quality\u00a0healthcare\u00a0are\u00a0saving\u00a0lives\u00a0and\u00a0giving\u00a0every\u00a0child\u00a0a\u00a0healthier\u00a0start\u00a0in\u00a0life,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said. County\u00a0Executive\u00a0Committee\u00a0Member\u00a0for\u00a0Gender\u00a0and\u00a0Youth\u00a0Affairs\u00a0Millicent\u00a0Ngari\u00a0said\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0lays\u00a0the\u00a0foundation\u00a0for\u00a0healthier\u00a0families\u00a0and\u00a0stronger\u00a0communities,\u00a0urging\u00a0both\u00a0mothers\u00a0and\u00a0fathers\u00a0to\u00a0embrace\u00a0shared\u00a0responsibility\u00a0in\u00a0nurturing\u00a0newborns. \u201cWe\u00a0are\u00a0encouraging\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0breastfeed\u00a0their\u00a0babies,\u00a0but\u00a0we\u00a0are\u00a0equally\u00a0asking\u00a0fathers\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0them\u00a0because\u00a0raising\u00a0a\u00a0healthy\u00a0child\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0shared\u00a0responsibility.\u00a0When\u00a0children\u00a0receive\u00a0proper\u00a0care\u00a0from\u00a0birth,\u00a0we\u00a0build\u00a0healthier\u00a0families\u00a0and\u00a0ultimately\u00a0a\u00a0healthier\u00a0community,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said. Ngari\u00a0noted\u00a0that\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0County\u00a0Referral\u00a0Hospital\u00a0and\u00a0other\u00a0county\u00a0health\u00a0facilities\u00a0continue\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0comprehensive\u00a0maternal\u00a0and\u00a0newborn\u00a0care,\u00a0including\u00a0specialized\u00a0support\u00a0for\u00a0first-time\u00a0mothers\u00a0and\u00a0premature\u00a0babies\u00a0until\u00a0they\u00a0are\u00a0strong\u00a0enough\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0discharged\u00a0home. County\u00a0Nutrition\u00a0Officer\u00a0Dennis\u00a0Murimi\u00a0called\u00a0on\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0prioritize\u00a0good\u00a0nutrition\u00a0during\u00a0the\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0period\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0adequate\u00a0milk\u00a0production\u00a0and\u00a0improve\u00a0infant\u00a0health. He\u00a0encouraged\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0consume\u00a0balanced\u00a0diets,\u00a0drink\u00a0enough\u00a0fluids\u00a0and\u00a0seek\u00a0professional\u00a0guidance\u00a0whenever\u00a0they\u00a0experience\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0challenges. \u201cWe\u00a0want\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0understand\u00a0that\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0is\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0start\u00a0in\u00a0life.\u00a0Good\u00a0nutrition,\u00a0adequate\u00a0rest\u00a0and\u00a0support\u00a0from\u00a0families\u00a0and\u00a0communities\u00a0make\u00a0it\u00a0easier\u00a0for\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0successfully\u00a0breastfeed\u00a0their\u00a0children,\u201d\u00a0he\u00a0said. Murimi\u00a0added\u00a0that\u00a0nutritionists\u00a0and\u00a0healthcare\u00a0workers\u00a0across\u00a0Kirinyaga\u2019s\u00a0health\u00a0facilities\u00a0remain\u00a0available\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0counselling\u00a0on\u00a0proper\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0techniques\u00a0and\u00a0maternal\u00a0nutrition,\u00a0emphasizing\u00a0that\u00a0no\u00a0mother\u00a0should\u00a0struggle\u00a0alone. Denis\u00a0Maina,\u00a0a\u00a0nurse\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0hospital\u2019s\u00a0Newborn\u00a0Unit,\u00a0said\u00a0healthcare\u00a0workers\u00a0continue\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0premature\u00a0and\u00a0low\u00a0birth\u00a0weight\u00a0babies\u00a0through\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0and\u00a0exclusive\u00a0breastfeeding. He\u00a0explained\u00a0that\u00a0mothers\u00a0admitted\u00a0with\u00a0preterm\u00a0babies\u00a0receive\u00a0practical\u00a0training\u00a0on\u00a0proper\u00a0baby\u00a0attachment,\u00a0breast\u00a0milk\u00a0expression\u00a0and\u00a0feeding\u00a0techniques\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0newborns\u00a0receive\u00a0adequate\u00a0nutrition\u00a0for\u00a0healthy\u00a0growth. \u201cWe\u00a0encourage\u00a0mothers\u00a0to\u00a0exclusively\u00a0breastfeed\u00a0because\u00a0breast\u00a0milk\u00a0provides\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0nutrients\u00a0babies\u00a0need,\u00a0boosts\u00a0immunity\u00a0and\u00a0strengthens\u00a0the\u00a0bond\u00a0between\u00a0mother\u00a0and\u00a0child,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Maina. Maina\u00a0added\u00a0that\u00a0babies\u00a0admitted\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0unit\u00a0are\u00a0closely\u00a0monitored\u00a0through\u00a0regular\u00a0weight\u00a0checks,\u00a0nutritional\u00a0assessments\u00a0and\u00a0follow-up\u00a0care\u00a0until\u00a0they\u00a0are\u00a0discharged\u00a0and\u00a0continue\u00a0receiving\u00a0support\u00a0during\u00a0clinic\u00a0visits. The\u00a0celebrations\u00a0also\u00a0showcased\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0County\u00a0Referral\u00a0Hospital\u2019s\u00a0specialized\u00a0newborn\u00a0care\u00a0services,\u00a0including\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0and\u00a0lactation\u00a0support\u00a0programmes\u00a0that\u00a0help\u00a0premature\u00a0and\u00a0low\u00a0birth\u00a0weight\u00a0babies\u00a0recover\u00a0faster\u00a0while\u00a0equipping\u00a0mothers\u00a0with\u00a0practical\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0skills. The\u00a0impact\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0county\u2019s\u00a0specialized\u00a0newborn\u00a0care\u00a0services\u00a0was\u00a0evident\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0testimony\u00a0of\u00a0Nancy\u00a0Gladys,\u00a0a\u00a0nursing\u00a0mother\u00a0whose\u00a0premature\u00a0baby\u00a0has\u00a0been\u00a0receiving\u00a0treatment\u00a0at\u00a0Kerugoya\u00a0County\u00a0Referral\u00a0Hospital. Gladys\u00a0said\u00a0she\u00a0was\u00a0admitted\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0facility\u00a0on\u00a0May\u00a031\u00a0after\u00a0delivering\u00a0her\u00a0baby\u00a0at\u00a0just\u00a027\u00a0weeks\u00a0of\u00a0pregnancy.\u00a0At\u00a0birth,\u00a0the\u00a0infant\u00a0weighed\u00a0only\u00a0840\u00a0grams,\u00a0but\u00a0after\u00a0weeks\u00a0of\u00a0specialized\u00a0care,\u00a0the\u00a0baby\u00a0now\u00a0weighs\u00a01.79\u00a0kilograms\u00a0and\u00a0is\u00a0almost\u00a0ready\u00a0for\u00a0discharge. \u201cI\u00a0came\u00a0here\u00a0on\u00a0May\u00a031\u00a0when\u00a0my\u00a0baby\u00a0was\u00a0born\u00a0at\u00a027\u00a0weeks\u00a0and\u00a0weighed\u00a0only\u00a0840\u00a0grams.\u00a0From\u00a0the\u00a0time\u00a0we\u00a0arrived\u00a0until\u00a0now,\u00a0I\u00a0have\u00a0received\u00a0so\u00a0much\u00a0help\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a0doctors\u00a0and\u00a0nurses.\u00a0The\u00a0Kangaroo\u00a0Mother\u00a0Care\u00a0programme\u00a0has\u00a0also\u00a0helped\u00a0me\u00a0a\u00a0lot,\u00a0my\u00a0baby\u00a0now\u00a0weighs\u00a01.79\u00a0kilograms\u00a0and\u00a0is\u00a0almost\u00a0ready\u00a0to\u00a0go\u00a0home,\u201d\u00a0she\u00a0said. The post Baby-friendly hospital initiative cuts newborn deaths in Kirinyaga appeared first on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-149218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=149218"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149218\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=149218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=149218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=149218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}