Expectant mothers in Baringo County have been urged to attend antenatal clinics regularly and ensure they deliver in health facilities under the care of skilled medical personnel in order to reduce maternal and infant deaths.

Speaking during celebrations to mark the International Day of the Midwife at Kapkuikui Health Centre, Baringo County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Dr. Solomon Sirma said the county still lags behind the national average in hospital deliveries, a situation he noted continues to undermine efforts to improve maternal and child health indicators.

Dr. Sirma revealed that only 66 percent of mothers in Baringo deliver in hospitals compared to the national average of 85 percent. He emphasized that skilled birth attendance remains critical in reducing complications during childbirth and improving the survival and wellbeing of both mothers and newborns.

He appealed to pregnant women and families across the county to prioritize regular clinic attendance throughout pregnancy and seek professional care during delivery, saying the county government was committed to strengthening healthcare services at all levels.

Echoing his sentiments, Chief Officer for Health Services Dr. Nancy Chesire reaffirmed the countys commitment to ensuring a steady supply of pharmaceuticals and other essential medical commodities in all health facilities across Baringo.

Dr. Chesire acknowledged that supplies distributed to facilities in February were running low due to increased demand, but assured residents that another consignment would be delivered before the end of April to avert shortages.

At the same time, the Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Evans Rutto urged residents to register for the Social Health Authority medical insurance cover, assuring wananchi that the scheme was fully operational and accepted in all public health facilities within the county.

Mr. Rutto noted that wider enrollment into the health insurance program would ease access to affordable healthcare services and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families seeking treatment.

Also speaking during the event, Florence Jematiah called on residents to protect and support development projects initiated within their localities, saying such investments were intended to directly improve the welfare and livelihoods of the people.

The celebrations recognized the vital role played by midwives in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where they continue to serve as the backbone of primary healthcare delivery.