Garissa, Kenya| In a remarkable stride toward improving maternal health, Garissa County Referral Hospital has achieved a historic milestone by recording zero maternal deaths over the past three months, a feat lauded by Governor Nathif Jama Adam as a beacon of hope and progress for the region.
During a celebratory breakfast held on July 18, 2025, to honor the hospital’s dedicated maternity team, Governor Jama praised the staff for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and life-saving efforts that have set a new standard for maternal healthcare in Garissa County.
A Triumph for Maternal Health
“This achievement is more than just numbers; it’s about mothers returning home safely to their families, futures secured, and communities strengthened,” Governor Jama declared during the event.
He described the milestone as “a powerful symbol of progress and hope” for the people of Garissa, emphasizing the transformative impact of the hospital’s efforts on the county’s healthcare landscape.
The governor’s words resonated with attendees, who recognized the significance of this accomplishment in a region where maternal mortality has historically been a challenge.
Garissa County Referral Hospital’s success is a testament to the tireless dedication of its leadership and frontline staff, who have worked diligently to ensure safe motherhood for women across the county.
Governor Jama expressed immense pride in the hospital’s team, stating, “I am incredibly proud of the leadership and frontline staff at Garissa County Referral Hospital for their tireless work and deep sense of responsibility to our people.”
He urged the entire health sector in Kenya to emulate the hospital’s exemplary model of care, calling for continuous learning, innovation, and community engagement to replicate and scale this success nationwide.
Strategic Investments Driving Change
The governor highlighted the strategic investments made by his administration that have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
These include ensuring a steady supply of essential medicines and medical equipment, upgrading and equipping sub-county hospitals to reduce the burden on the referral facility, and prioritizing the recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare professionals.
“Healthcare is a priority in my administration, and we will continue investing in infrastructure, human resources, and service delivery to ensure such milestones become the norm and not the exception,” Governor Jama affirmed.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mahat Sheikh Salah, Garissa County Referral Hospital has emerged as a cornerstone of maternal health transformation in the region.
Mr. Mahat Salah attributed the hospital’s success to its comprehensive approach to maternal care, which includes round-the-clock skilled delivery services, enhanced emergency response and referral systems, and improved antenatal and postnatal care.
“Central to these advancements is a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement,” he said, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality maternal healthcare.
Strengthening Systems for Safe Motherhood
The hospital’s ability to provide 24/7 skilled delivery care ensures that women have access to professional support at all hours, significantly reducing risks during childbirth. Improved emergency response and referral systems have also played a critical role in ensuring timely and effective care for high-risk cases.
Additionally, the hospital has strengthened its antenatal and postnatal services, offering comprehensive support to women throughout their pregnancy and after childbirth.
These interventions have been complemented by countywide healthcare reforms spearheaded by Governor Jama’s administration, which have bolstered the overall health system in Garissa County.
The zero maternal mortality milestone is a culmination of these efforts, reflecting the power of strategic investments, dedicated leadership, and community-focused healthcare delivery.
By reducing the referral burden on the main hospital through upgraded sub-county facilities, Garissa County has created a more resilient and accessible healthcare network, ensuring that women in even the most remote areas receive timely care.
A Model for the Future
Governor Jama called on healthcare providers across the county and beyond to adopt the practices that have made Garissa County Referral Hospital a success.
He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and innovation, urging stakeholders to engage communities in health initiatives to sustain and expand these gains. “This milestone is not the end but the beginning of a new era in maternal healthcare,” he said, expressing optimism about the potential for similar achievements across all sub-counties in Garissa.
The success of Garissa County Referral Hospital serves as an inspiring example for other regions in Kenya and across Africa, where maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge.
According to the World Health Organization, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for a significant portion of global maternal deaths, making Garissa’s achievement particularly noteworthy. By prioritizing maternal health and investing in systemic improvements, Garissa County is paving the way for a future where safe motherhood is a reality for all women.
Community Impact and Hope for the Future
The impact of this milestone extends beyond the hospital walls, touching the lives of families and communities across Garissa.
Every mother who returns home safely represents a strengthened family unit and a brighter future for the county. The achievement has instilled a renewed sense of hope among residents, who see it as evidence of the transformative power of dedicated healthcare delivery.
As Garissa County continues to build on this success, the focus remains on sustaining these gains and expanding access to quality maternal care.
With continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, training, and community engagement, Governor Jama’s administration is committed to ensuring that zero maternal deaths become a permanent reality, not just a fleeting milestone.
For more information on Garissa County’s healthcare initiatives, visit the official county website or contact the Garissa County Referral Hospital for details on their maternal health programs.
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