Experts warn that the number of Kenyan women dying during childbirth remains alarmingly high, jeopardizing the country’s chances of achieving sustainable development goal targets. Currently, about 355 women die for every 100,000 live births, translating to approximately 6,000 deaths annually, or 16 expectant mothers dying each day.
The target set by SDG 3.1 is to reduce maternal mortality to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Prof. Moses Obimbo from the University of Nairobi’s School of Medicine pointed out that five main causes, known as the “big five” in maternal health circles, are perpetuating this maternal mortality: Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), sepsis, post-abortion complications, hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia, and obstructed labor.
“This is the reality we live with. We have something that we know is claiming mothers’ lives day in and day out, and not much has been done to bring it to a stop,” he stated. Prof. Obimbo spoke at a meeting announcing the first-ever maternal mortality run, dubbed the PPH Run, which aims to reduce deaths in Kenya and is scheduled for next weekend.
The event is organized by the University of Nairobi, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), and the Midwives Association of Kenya (MAK).
“PPH is the biggest cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 40 percent of deaths,” said Prof. Obimbo, who also serves as the project lead. “Starting in October 2024, we will hold an annual PPH Run aimed at creating awareness and raising resources to help us bring down maternal mortality.”
PPH is defined as blood loss greater than 500ml following a vaginal birth or 1,000ml after a Caesarean section. It usually occurs due to several scenarios: first, a uterus that has not contracted, known as uterine atony; second, retained placenta tissue or other materials in the uterus, which prevent it from fully contracting and leave blood vessels open; third, trauma that may have occurred in the perineum or cervix, resulting in tears; and lastly, women lacking sufficient clotting factors to stop blood loss after delivery.
Prof. Julius Ogeng’o, a professor of Human Anatomy and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Nairobi, emphasized that the simplest way to reduce maternal deaths is to address PPH directly.
“I have seen people marshal resources and do so much for causes that, while good for human progress, are nowhere near as deadly as PPH. We know that PPH is killing women every single day. This is surely something that we should have started a run for many years ago. Nevertheless, I am happy that it is finally here,” he remarked.
Dr. Anne Kihara, the President of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), highlighted the existential crisis that many pregnant women face. She stated, “As clinicians, we advise these women to eat healthily—maintain a balanced diet. We encourage them to take care of themselves and to get enough rest. We also urge them to go to the hospital as soon as they suspect that something might be wrong with their pregnancy.”
However, she added, “The reality for many of these women is that they lack the financial means to afford balanced diets. They do not have the resources that would allow them to rest when needed; some have to continue working hard to support their families while heavily pregnant.”
While Kenya’s official figures report maternal mortality rates, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) report on Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths 2024 indicates that the actual maternal mortality rate in Kenya is higher, at 594 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“The run will start (and end) at Ulinzi Sports Ground off Lang’ata Road in Nairobi,” Prof. Obimbo announced. “Everyone is welcome to run with us.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Health points out that many women who survive childbirth face long-term health complications, including injuries, infections, disabilities, and conditions like obstetric fistula. The risk of maternal mortality is especially high among adolescent girls, due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth; complications account for 16 percent of deaths among female adolescents.
