In a move to enhance specialized services for mother and child health, Clinical Services Chief Officer Dr Joyce Sang has hinted that West Maternity will serve as a referral centre due to the availability of state-of-the-art equipment.

The Chief Officer noted the facility’s capacity to cater to specialized services, including establishing a research centre focused on mortality rates, with all necessary equipment readily available to support critical studies and interventions.

Speaking during the commemoration of this year’s International Nurses and Midwives Week at West Maternity, Dr Sang emphasized the pivotal role of healthcare providers in delivering health education to mothers seeking antenatal and postnatal services.

“There is a need to empower mothers with knowledge and awareness to make informed decisions about their health and the well-being of their children thus contributing to better health outcomes for their families,” said Dr Sang.

Dr Sang’s call for heightened health education efforts aligns with promoting maternal and child health through preventative measures, early intervention and access to quality healthcare services by equipping mothers with essential information to enhance their health-seeking behaviours and improve health literacy within the community.

The CO emphasises the importance of decentralizing healthcare celebrations to promote local engagement and recognition of healthcare professionals at the grassroots level.

” By decentralizing commemorations, healthcare providers across sub-counties can be acknowledged for their dedication, expertise, and contributions to enhancing maternal and child health services within their respective communities,” added the CO.

Governor Jonathan Bii’s vision for West Maternity and his administration’s commitment to health education and community engagement aims to promote maternal and child health, advance healthcare research, and foster a culture of excellence within the healthcare sector in Uasin Gishu County.