Prenatal Care Programs See Improved Participation

In recent months, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has reported a marked increase in early antenatal care (ANC) attendance, reflecting improved trust and utilization of prenatal services. The government has emphasized that boosting ANC engagement is a cornerstone of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.A quality-improvement program in Trans Nzoia County, implemented via a collaborative with AMPATH, significantly increased the number of expectant mothers starting ANC within the first trimester. The initiative addressed barriers such as low awareness and system inefficiencies by conducting community outreach and strengthening facility-level services.In Kilifi County, UNICEF-supported efforts have enhanced prenatal service delivery by training health workers and increasing the number of maternal care learning hubs. These improvements have encouraged more pregnant women to seek skilled care, including multiple ANC visits, ultrasound scans, and high-risk pregnancy follow-ups. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has committed to expanding its antenatal care workforce through partnerships with UNITAID and capacity-building initiatives. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring that ANC services are high-quality, accessible, and responsive to women’s needs.