Nyamira County Governor Amos Nyaribo has inaugurated a modern Mother and Newborn Unit at Ekerenyo Sub-County Hospital, marking a significant milestone in improving maternal and neonatal healthcare in the county. The facility, equipped with advanced surgical theatres and neonatal equipment, aims to reduce the county’s high maternal and infant mortality rates, which currently stand at 27 and 31 per 1,000 live births respectively. The new unit will also help decongest the Nyamira County Teaching and Referral Hospital, making specialized services more accessible to rural populations.
The facility was delivered through a partnership between Nyamira County and the government of Finland, highlighting the benefits of international collaboration in healthcare development. Finland trained three Nyamira personnel to ensure quality maternal services, and committed to supervising and maintaining the unit’s equipment for the next 36 months. Governor Nyaribo emphasized that this partnership will strengthen maternal health rights in the county, guaranteeing safe childbirth for women in remote areas while improving overall healthcare delivery.
Officials and stakeholders have praised the unit as a transformative step toward achieving universal health coverage in Nyamira. Dr. Edward Serem from the Ministry of Health noted that similar projects are underway in 20 other counties, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to equitable healthcare access. Residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the modern facility will save lives, provide timely interventions during childbirth, and improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and newborns across the county.