By YOANA KIMWELE.
Kitui County marked International Kangaroo Mother Awareness Day on May 30, 2024, with a vibrant celebration at the county referral hospital.
The event, themed “Embrace the Magic,” was sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, through County Executive Member for Health and Sanitation, Madam Ruth Koki, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, EGH.
The day’s festivities highlighted the profound emotional and physiological benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a practice involving early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their preterm babies. This method is celebrated globally for its effectiveness in promoting the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.
Representing CECM Ruth Koki at the event, County Reproductive Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Coordinator Christine Mawia Sammy, OGW, expressed the County government’s commitment to supporting Kangaroo Mother Care in Kitui County.
Mothers from Kitui County expressed their gratitude to Governor Malombe for establishing the Kangaroo Mothers Ward at the Kitui County Referral Hospital. This facility has provided critical support and care for mothers with premature babies, aligning with the global initiative to recognize and support these champions.
“Today, we celebrate the champions – mothers who have given birth to premature babies – for their strength and resilience,” said Christine Sammy in her address. “Kangaroo Mother Care is a testament to the power of maternal love and the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, which has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for preterm infants.”
The event underscored Kitui County’s commitment to maternal and child health, with local mothers and health practitioners joining hands to advocate for and embrace the life-saving practice of Kangaroo Mother Care.
Governor Malombe’s administration has been proactive in enhancing healthcare services within the county, and the Kangaroo Mothers Ward is a pivotal part of these efforts. The initiative reflects the county’s dedication to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly premature infants and their mothers.
The celebration was not just a reflection of the county’s achievements but also a call to action for continued support and awareness of Kangaroo Mother Care, ensuring that every mother and child has the best possible start in life.
Ends///
