Dr Ouma Oluga….Photo/IP

NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, has called for stricter accountability across the health sector in a renewed push to reduce maternal deaths, warning that preventable fatalities during pregnancy and childbirth remain a national concern.

Speaking at a health forum in Nairobi, Oluga said the country must move beyond policy declarations and focus on measurable outcomes at health facilities.

“The loss of a mother is not just a statistic. It represents a broken family and a setback for entire communities,” he said, urging county governments, hospital administrators and development partners to strengthen oversight, improve service delivery and ensure maternal death audits translate into corrective action.

Persistent challenge

Kenya has made progress in reducing maternal mortality over the past two decades, but the figures remain high. Recent estimates show the maternal mortality ratio at about 149 deaths per 100,000 live births, though other assessments place the figure significantly higher, underscoring gaps in reporting and surveillance systems.

The country remains above the global average and below the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Health agencies estimate that thousands of Kenyan women die each year from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications, with the majority of those deaths considered preventable through timely, quality care.

Leading causes and system gaps

Medical data show that postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia and obstructed labor are among the leading causes of maternal deaths in Kenya.

Health professionals also cite weak referral systems, shortages of skilled personnel and inadequate emergency obstetric equipment in some facilities.

Oluga said maternal death surveillance and response mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure every reported case is investigated and corrective measures enforced.

“Accountability means every facility, every health worker and every administrator understands their responsibility in protecting mothers’ lives,” he said.

Urgency ahead of 2030

Globally, maternal deaths have declined since 2000, but progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

With less than five years remaining to meet global targets, Kenyan health authorities say intensified monitoring, better funding allocation and improved quality of care will be critical to accelerating progress.

Oluga said reducing maternal mortality is both a public health priority and a moral obligation.

“We must ensure that no woman dies while giving life,” he said.