Okoa Malaika in collaboration with the Mudavadi Trust Fund and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, has launched its programme at the Uasin Gishu County Hospital to support pre-term babies and improve the neonatal care services offered in the county.
Okoa Malaika is an infant pre-term mitigation programme distributing neo-natal equipment like incubators and baby blankets to hospitals in Kenya to ensure the well-being of mother and child.
Mrs. Tessie Musalia, wife to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, while gracing the occasion at the Uasin Gishu County Hospital noted that the Okoa Malaika program aligns with the government’s efforts to reduce infant mortality rates by ensuring a vibrant health sector under Universal Health Coverage.
“It is fitting that we come together in this vibrant community to embark on an initiative that uplifts and empowers both infants and women ensuring every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Mrs Musalia.
“Okoa Malaika initiative aims to distribute neo-natal equipment to hospitals in all 47 counties in Kenya; by doing so, we will ensure the well-being of mother and child,” she explained.
Mrs Musalia further noted that President William Ruto’s commitment to maternal health underscores the importance of accessible and quality healthcare services for women and children across Kenya noting that this will help create an environment where women can access comprehensive health care.
“We are working on getting ultrasound to all community hospitals so that women can receive the necessary support and this will contribute to the prevention and management of pre-term births,” she noted.
She explained that the government has accelerated this through community health care promoters who play a crucial role in addressing health inequalities by bringing essential services to the people especially those in rural areas.
“We as champions, citizens, and charitable organisations have a role to play in contributing to a better society as these challenges demand collaboration and cooperation on an unprecedented scale therefore putting our strengths, resources, and perspectives together enables us to achieve far more than one entity can,” she averred.
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Nairobi Zhang Zhizhong described the initiative as a great program that gives a chance to bring goodwill to the Kenyan people at the grassroots level.
“Kenya and China have a good bilateral relationship and we hope that in the future, with the help of the Mudavadi Foundation we can continue with our friendly collaboration,” said Zhang
The Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador, Njoki Mambo said that as the brand ambassador, she is privileged to be part of the initiative that promises to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless families.
“The arrival of a newborn is a beautiful occasion built with hope, joy, and anticipation. However, it is also time for vulnerability particularly for mothers who give birth to pre-term babies who require specialized care and attention,” she noted.
She pointed out that in Kenya, out of every 1000 babies born, 22 of them die within the first 21 days, according to Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022.
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to esteemed stakeholders and organizations whose unveiling commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
“Partnerships are the cornerstone for creating a better society. We recognize that no single entity can address the many challenges alone, it is only through collaboration, innovation, and shared resources that we can make a truly lasting impact,” said Mambo.
Mrs. Tessie Musalia and Chinese embassy in Kenya deputy Head of mission Zhang Zhizhong during the official launch of the Okoa Malaika initiative in Uasin Gishu County Hospital where incubators and baby blankets were donated.
