WHO Hands Over Maternal and Cancer Care Equipment to Strengthen Women’s Health Services
Nairobi, – The Ministry of Health has received maternal and cancer care equipment worth KSh 43 million from the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen healthcare services for women and newborns across the country.
The equipment was handed over by WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, and received by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, during a ceremony held at Kenyatta National Hospital. The Principal Secretary also flagged off the distribution of the equipment to beneficiary health facilities.
The donation includes 108 electric obstetric theatre beds that will be distributed to 45 health facilities across 11 priority counties to strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care services. WHO also provided cancer screening, diagnostic, laboratory, pathology and treatment equipment for eight health facilities in Bungoma and Nyandarua counties to enhance access to cervical and breast cancer services.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Oluga said the support comes at a critical time as the Government accelerates efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths under the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan launched in
.He noted that investments in quality maternal healthcare, cancer prevention, screening and treatment are essential for improving health outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage.
The Principal Secretary further highlighted the progress of the Women’s Integrated Cancer Services Project, a partnership between the Ministry of Health, WHO and Roche that integrates breast and cervical cancer screening into primary healthcare services. Through the initiative, 8,440 women have already been screened for breast and cervical cancer and selected non-communicable diseases, demonstrating the impact of bringing preventive and diagnostic services closer to communities.
The newly handed-over equipment is expected to strengthen the capacity of health facilities to provide timely screening, diagnosis and treatment services, improve the quality of maternal and newborn care, and support efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Dr. Oluga called on beneficiary counties and health facilities to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance and accountability of the equipment to maximise its impact and improve service delivery.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to working with county governments, development partners and healthcare workers to strengthen maternal, newborn and women’s health services and ensure that every woman and newborn has access to safe, quality and affordable healthcare.