lowereas
By Nicholas wambua
Ukambani counties received a major boost in neonatal healthcare on Monday after Ushiriki Wema Foundation, through its Okoa Malaika programme, donated six state-of-the-art neonatal machines to Makueni, Machakos, and Kitui county referral hospitals. The donation was made during this year’s World Prematurity Day commemoration held at the Makueni Mother and Baby Hospital under the theme “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Hopeful Future.”
Ushiriki Wema Patron Tessie Musalia, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, Makueni First Lady Anita Mutula, and Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador Njoki Mambo led the symbolic handover by carrying preterm babies born and currently receiving care at the facility. The powerful moment highlighted the collective responsibility of leaders, partners, and communities in safeguarding the lives of vulnerable newborns.
Musalia noted that although Kenya has made commendable progress in maternal and neonatal health, preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality. She urged government agencies, policy makers, employers, and healthcare partners to champion extended maternity leave for mothers of preterm babies to allow adequate bonding and care during the fragile early months.
“We must strengthen our policies and systems so that every preterm child begins life with dignity and support,” she said, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to bridging gaps in neonatal care across counties.
The six donated machines comprising incubators and advanced neonatal support equipment are expected to significantly enhance specialized care in the three counties, where health facilities often struggle with limited resources to handle preterm births.
Earlier in the day, Makueni First Lady Anita Mutula hosted Tessie Musalia, Bungoma First Lady Margaret Makelo Lusaka, and other dignitaries at the county headquarters ahead of the national commemoration. Mutula noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision for reducing preventable infant deaths and strengthening family-centered healthcare.
“We are honoured to host this year’s national event and deeply grateful for the investment made by Ushiriki Wema. These machines will save lives, bring hope to families, and reinforce our commitment to quality maternal and neonatal health,” she said.
The event brought together health workers, county leaders, partners in maternal health, and families of preterm babies, all united in calling for sustained efforts to protect the most delicate lives and give them a fighting chance for a brighter future.
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