It is a big boost to women in Kajiado North and its environs following the completion of a mega modern maternity wing in Ngong.
The state-of-the-art maternity equipped with modern equipment was constructed courtesy of an Australian national well-wisher in a bid to promote access to affordable maternity services.
The 24-bed capacity facility which has two equipped theatres also aims at offering fistula correctional services free of charge.
The lack of a facility that offers correctional surgeries for fistula within the area has been cited as a major maternal health challenge resulting in rampant cases of stigma against survivors.
Speaking during the official launch of the facility, which will now be under the Ngong sub-county hospital management, various stakeholders termed the new maternity as a critical boost to healthcare.
“Fistula is a treatable condition that no woman deserves to be stigmatized over the same. We urge women to seek medical attention on time. Fistula is a condition that can occur in any woman. Survivors should not be ashamed to seek treatment,” Faith Masenge, Ngong Sub County Hospital medical superintendent, said.
The leaders said the maternity services, which are also accessible to persons living with disability, will help curb child mortality and mothers’ deaths during birth.
“Access to affordable maternal services is a big milestone in the health sector. We truly appreciate partners like Ralph Weiner who sponsor such a mega project for the interest of the public, “Alex Kilowua the Health CEC, said.
Leaders and medics further used the forum to sensitize the public on the importance of giving birth in health facilities to enhance the safety of mothers and babies.
“We continue encouraging locals to take advantage of such facilities and seek maternal health services. Mothers should embrace the culture of giving birth in health facilities to reduce the risk of maternal complications that can be managed by medics,” Governor Joseph Ole Lenku appealed.
Lack of sufficient medics has been cited as one of the challenges with the county ministry of health pledging to have more staff trained to handle and offer services using modern equipment.
The county says it is leveraging on public-private partnerships to enhance and boost access to health facilities.
The facility has also benefited from an ambulance donation.
Fistula is a common condition among pastoralist women who have undergone female genital mutilation and failure to control urine and stool after birth has been a challenge survivors struggle with.
