The ministry of Health's Linda Mama Programme has seen more mothers opt for NHIF-funded safer deliveries, recording an increase of C-section births by 15,869 from last year.
Linda Mama cover is a programme that targets pregnant mothers who cannot afford health care services.
It caters for the health of the mother and unborn baby, and after the baby is born the care is extended for a year.
The programme was launched in the year 2018 by President Uhuru Kenyatta, following high maternal deaths that occurred during birth.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) 80,393 c-section deliveries were carried out, a surge from 64,523 recorded in the period under review.
Linda Mama beneficiaries who are listed in the cover get free access to pre and post health care services on pregnancy.
Permanent Secretary for Health, Susan Mochache while speaking to the National Assembly committee on Health stated, “Great progress has been made with the percentage of deliveries conducted under skilled attendance increasing from 62 percent in 2013/2014 to 84 percent in the year to June 2021,”.
President Uhuru Kenyatta envisioned the programme to ensure pregnant women get safe deliveries before and after under the Universal Health Program.
Before Linda mama cover was launched, cases of mothers dying due to childbirth related complications were high.
The current maternal mortality is 362 per 100,000 live births, a reduction from 488 deaths.
“More effort continues to be put in place to ensure we achieve 100 percent skilled deliveries and improve quality of care for maternal and new-born health with the aim of eliminating preventable maternal health,” Ms Mochache said, encouraging pregnant women to join the programme.
