Nairobi, 11th May 2023
Representing the Governor of Nairobi City County, HE Governor Sakaja, the Nairobi City County Executive Committee Member for Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Dr. Anastasia Nyalita together with Senior leadership from the County and Pumwani Maternity Hospital, hosted the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed at the celebrations of the International day of Midwives at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. This years event themed Transforming Midwifery from evidence to reality.
According to a report by World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800 women die each day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, estimates the maternal mortality rate in Kenya at 342 deaths per 100,000 live births. To address this, the Nairobi County Government has enhanced the training of midwives through the Pumwani Maternity College of Nursing and Midwifery. This has contributed immensely in the improvement of quality of midwifery care in the county, Currently the College has a total of 207 Diploma students and is expecting 39 more to report for training in September 2023. Similarly the College is expecting a class of ten students for higher diploma in Midwifery in the month of September as well. The College is strategically aligning itself to be an icon of Midwifery Training not only in Kenya but globally and commit to providing excellent healthcare services that’s in-line with Governor Sakaja’s manifesto.
County Executive Member for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Dr. Nyalita said “On the International Day of the Midwife, we celebrate the midwives for their commitment to saving lives and safeguarding the health of women and newborns. We also celebrate the achievements of midwives, advocate for their needs, and support their efforts to provide high-quality care to women and their families.”
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed in her remarks noted “Midwives save lives and play a crucial role in the health of their local communities. Today we salute the midwives we met at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi and all the midwives of the world.”
The Pumwani Maternity College of Nursing and Midwifery principle Nurse Consolata Ndege said “This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the important role that midwives play in the health of mothers and newborns around the world.
Midwives are an essential part that provides care to women and newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods and in reduction of maternal and neonatal mortalities.
Ends