Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital on Tuesday joined the world in commemorating World Prematurity Day, celebrating a year of remarkable progress and life-saving achievements in its expanding Newborn Unit—now recognized as a centre of excellence since June 2024.

Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Paul Wangwe, lauded the unit’s tremendous strides, noting that its continuous improvements reflect the county’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of preterm and vulnerable newborns. He emphasized that strengthening neonatal services remains a top priority for the health department.

Over the past year, the facility has become a vital lifeline for families across Uasin Gishu, offering renewed hope to parents of the tiniest and most fragile infants.

Since June 2024, the hospital has cared for over 100 preterm babies, supporting them with proven interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), improved thermal regulation, and continuous CPAP therapy. These strategies have not only boosted survival rates but also strengthened mother–infant bonding during the critical early stages of life.

The hospital has also enhanced its response to birth asphyxia, with staff fully trained in Neonatal Resuscitation Protocols. Their swift, coordinated interventions have saved numerous newborns who required immediate breathing support at birth.

In the fight against neonatal sepsis, the unit has implemented strict sepsis protocols, rational antibiotic use, and robust infection prevention measures—leading to a significant reduction in sepsis-related complications among critically ill infants.

Dr. Wangwe noted that while such cases remain deeply challenging, they continue to inspire the team to strengthen systems, address gaps, and improve outcomes.

As the world reflects on the resilience of preterm babies, Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital stands proud of its growing impact—committed to ensuring every newborn receives a strong start and the promise of a healthier, hopeful future.