Christopher Omondi
Mothers in Nyalenda B, Kisumu County, and the surrounding areas have faced significant hardships, often having to travel long distances to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital or Kisumu County Hospital for deliveries and newborn care. These journeys not only lead to delays and high transport costs but also create congestion at referral facilities. Community barazas have consistently demanded the establishment of a functional maternity unit within Nyalenda.
According to the area Member of Parliament, Dr. Joshua Oron, efforts are underway to ensure that these needs are met. “Through persistent lobbying with the State Department for Medical Services, I am thrilled to announce that we are making significant progress in equipping a modern Maternal and Newborn Care Unit with 20 beds, along with the construction of a Maternity Theatre at Nyalenda Health and Wellness Centre. This initiative solidifies our commitment to provide quality healthcare within the reach of the people of Nyalenda B. No mother should lose her life or endanger her baby due to distance.”
The United Destiny Shapers in Nyalenda CBO, an organization that collaborates with women’s groups on community health issues, echoed this sentiment. “We wholeheartedly welcome this milestone. Our advocacy for maternal services in Nyalenda is finally paying off. A 20-bed unit with a theatre will undeniably save lives. However, we emphasize that equipping the unit is just the first step. We urgently need adequate nurses, doctors, medication, 24-hour power backup, and an ambulance. As a community-based organization, we are fully prepared to lead efforts in raising awareness about ante-natal care (ANC), post-natal care (PNC), and encouraging facility deliveries. Furthermore, we will closely monitor the quality of services after the handover.” Stated Peter Odongo, the CBO’s coordinator.
Residents, however, remain cautiously optimistic. Many feel that these developments may be politically motivated and fear that tangible change may not follow. “To be honest,” Ian Juma remarked, “I don’t know how to react anymore. This isn’t the first facility to be opened within Kisumu Central. Facilities like Migosi Hospital, Obunga Dispensary, and Kosawo Annex were built with similar promises, yet none have received the necessary support. Residents still find themselves traveling to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital for medical services. A 20-bed facility is a good start, but without a genuine commitment, this facility will just be another building.”
The establishment of the 20-bed Maternal & Newborn Unit and Maternity Theatre at Nyalenda Health and Wellness Centre is undoubtedly a victory for advocacy and a testament to the collaboration between the community, the MP’s office, and the National and County Governments. To ensure it serves mothers effectively, attention must now shift to staffing, supplies, and fostering community ownership.
