Baby-friendly hospital initiative cuts newborn deaths in Kirinyaga

The County Government of Kirinyaga has taken significant steps to improve newborn survival rates through the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). This initiative, which promotes exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months, has led to a dramatic decrease in neonatal mortality in the region. In Kirinyaga, neonatal mortality has plummeted from 26 deaths per 1,000 live births to just 10 per 1,000, far below both the national average of 21 and the internationally recommended benchmark of 17.2.

The BFHI includes a range of measures such as having a breastfeeding policy communicated to staff and parents, educating expectant mothers and families about the importance of breastfeeding, encouraging immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mothers and babies, training staff to support breastfeeding, aiding mothers in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding, and enabling mothers and infants to remain together 24/7.

Additional steps involve supporting mothers in recognizing and responding to their infants' feeding cues.

During a commemorative walk through Kerugoya town, Dr. Peter Irungu, Director of Public Health, stressed the crucial role of breast milk as "a child's first vaccine," highlighting its role in boosting immunity and protecting infants from disease from birth. He urged parents to adhere to national breastfeeding guidelines, initiating breastfeeding within the first hour post-delivery, exclusively breastfeeding for six months, and continuing breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to two years and beyond.

The event, held under the theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," aimed to underscore the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and Kirinyaga's ongoing commitment to maternal, newborn, and child health services. Community members, adorned with banners and placards, emphasized the need for family, employer, and community support for breastfeeding mothers.

Governor Anne Waiguru hailed Kirinyaga's progress in maternal and child healthcare, noting a rise in antenatal care coverage from 45% to 63%, surpassing the national average. She also pointed to a decrease in maternal mortality from 88 deaths per 100,000 live births to 55 deaths per 100,000 live births, well below the national average. Skilled birth attendants assisted 92% of deliveries, and immunization coverage rose from 81% to 91%, surpassing both national and global targets.

County Executive Committee Member Millicent Ngari emphasized breastfeeding as a foundation for healthier families and communities, urging both parents to share responsibilities in raising healthy children. County Nutrition Officer Dennis Murimi advised mothers to maintain good nutrition during breastfeeding through balanced diets, adequate hydration, and professional guidance. Denis Maina, a nurse at the hospital's Newborn Unit, highlighted ongoing support for premature and low birth weight babies through Kangaroo Care.