Gift hampers for new mothers in Makueni County

Women who deliver their babies in public hospitals in Makueni county will get gift hampers.

The hamper which consists of a free pair of sandals, bar soap, basin, shawl, petroleum jelly and a bag is a joint initiative between World Bank and the Makueni county government aimed at enhancing maternal and infant health.

“Hospitals are giving out gift hampers to new mothers to make their experiences worthwhile,” said Health Chief Officer Patrick Musyoki.

The Makueni county government and the World Bank also have plans to increase the number of health workers and the capacity in hospitals as well as increase family planning, ante-natal clinic visits and professional birth attendance.

According to the 2018 District Health Information System, only 60 percent of women in Makueni County deliver babies in hospital a figure that the county government wants too increase to 100 percent.

However, the number of mothers who deliver in hospital has been increasing gradually since 2015 when the government put a waiver on maternity charges.