“Hospitals must report every maternal and neonatal death,” Githunguri MP says.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba speaks during the launch of the call centre
In Summary
- The call center will assist victims of obstetric violence with legal, psychological, and healthcare support.
- Stakeholders urge Parliament to pass the Obstetric Violence Bill before Christmas to safeguard Kenyan mothers.
Kenyan women enduring abuse during childbirth have been offered a new lifeline with the launch of a toll-free maternity care call center by the Gamafrica Foundation. The initiative, revealed at the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Roysambu, Nairobi, seeks to address obstetric violence (OBV), a pervasive issue that includes mistreatment during labor, delivery, and postnatal care. Women can report cases by calling 0111055181.
The center will not only support victims with healthcare, legal counsel, and psychological assistance but also collect data to inform future maternal health policies.
Advocating for Maternal Health
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, a prominent maternal health advocate, highlighted the urgency of addressing rising maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Kenya.
“Countries like Uganda and Rwanda are reducing maternal deaths, yet Kenya’s numbers are climbing. Women die during childbirth due to systemic failures. Hospitals must be held accountable, and Parliament must pass the Obstetric Violence Bill to restore dignity to mothers,” she stated during the launch.
Wamuchomba also cited harrowing cases of neglect in Kenyan hospitals, such as overcrowding and the detention of mothers unable to pay their bills. She emphasized the need for government-backed programs like Linda Mama, which previously provided free maternal care.
A Matter of Urgency
The Obstetric Violence Bill, which Wamuchomba is championing, aims to ensure transparency and accountability for every maternal or neonatal death in healthcare facilities.
“This is about life and death. We need this bill passed before Christmas to protect Kenyan mothers,” she urged.
Recognizing Systemic Challenges
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris praised the call center initiative as a significant step forward but acknowledged the resource challenges in public hospitals.
“This call center is a game-changer. By documenting cases, we can identify patterns and advocate for focused interventions. However, we must also address the overcrowding in hospitals and the lack of support for mental health,” Passaris said.
She called for improved care for both patients and overworked healthcare providers, noting that postpartum depression is often overlooked.
Boosting Gender-Based Violence Interventions
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi emphasized the importance of increased funding for gender-based violence (GBV) interventions. She called on President William Ruto to allocate KSh 1 billion to establish special courts for GBV cases, accelerating justice for survivors.
Alarming Statistics on Obstetric Violence
The launch coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, underscoring the importance of maternal dignity. A survey by the Gamafrica Foundation revealed that 80% of Kenyan women have experienced obstetric violence.
“This initiative is about respect and dignity for women. Every woman deserves to give birth in a safe, abuse-free environment,” Wamuchomba said.
Experts Highlight Healthcare Gaps
Dr. Benjamin Odongo Elly, representing the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (KOGS), warned of the far-reaching consequences of OBV, including postpartum depression, perineal tears, and neonatal complications such as cerebral palsy.
“Women should not have to share beds or deliver in undignified environments. The shortage of specialists in rural areas further exacerbates these issues,” he added.
A Path Forward
The maternity care call center is expected to play a pivotal role in combating OBV, offering a platform for women to report cases and seek timely interventions. Stakeholders from the Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association and other advocacy groups have pledged support, marking a critical step toward improving maternal healthcare in Kenya.
This story is part of our ongoing coverage of maternal health and gender-based violence initiatives in Kenya.
