Kenya Urged to Act Fast as Child Death Rates Stall SDG Progress

Kenya finds itself under growing pressure to make fast strides in meeting the SDG targets set by the year 2030 because of the high levels of mortality among children and mothers.

Health officials have been warning that Kenya needs to take fast and effective measures to meet its obligations globally.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, who is the Director-General for Health, has stressed on taking prompt action with a data-based strategy to handle this issue.

Speaking during the official opening of the 25th Kenya Paediatric Association Annual Scientific Conference in Shanzu, Mombasa, he underscored the need for practical solutions over prolonged policy discussions.

“The country must shift from policy discussions to practical, field-tested interventions to save lives,” Dr. Amoth said, emphasizing the urgency of implementing proven strategies on the ground.

The conference, held under the theme “Countdown to the SDGs – Fast Tracking Results for Every Newborn, Child and Adolescent in Africa,” convened paediatricians, policymakers, and development partners to evaluate Kenya’s progress and propose actionable strategies to accelerate results.

Mortality Rates and Persistent Health Challenges

Dr. Amoth acknowledged that although Kenya has made notable strides in healthcare, key indicators remain off track.

“Newborn mortality stands at 21 per 1,000 live births while under-five mortality is at 41 per 1,000,” he stated, pointing to the scale of the challenge.

He further highlighted persistent issues such as child stunting and adolescent pregnancies, warning that these challenges could undermine Kenya’s long-term development.

“These pose significant risks to the country’s human capital and economic future,” he cautioned.

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Targeted Interventions Revisited

To fill any identified gaps, the ministry has adopted targeted interventions, such as the implementation of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), which will be centered on maternal and neonatal deaths in counties with high burdens.

The RRI is anticipated to yield tangible results in a short time frame.

In addition, the government is implementing the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan aimed at standardising the quality of care across all health facilities.

These measures are intended to ensure that healthcare improvements are felt uniformly across the country.

“Kenya has strong policies and guidelines in place, but must now close the implementation gap by ensuring consistent application at facility level,” Dr. Amoth said.

Health Professionals’ Role and Policy Reforms

Dr. Amoth has advised the paediatric professionals to step up and take the lead in enhancing the delivery of services in the health sector.

He asked them to be at the forefront in conducting clinical audits, mentoring healthcare professionals, and facilitating capacity building, especially in marginal areas.

He further advised the stakeholder groups to contribute to the policy formulation process that is taking place, such as the formulation of the Health Care Professionals Policy and the Patient Safety and Quality of Care Bill.

“The paediatric professionals must take the lead in ensuring quality service provision,” he stated.

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Healthcare Financing and Health Systems Strengthening

Regarding healthcare financing, Dr. Amoth reported that the Social Health Authority had achieved great strides, with more than 30 million Kenyans covered.

This has helped boost access to health care services, although he emphasized that access alone does not guarantee quality care.

“Quality delivery of health services lies on the shoulders of health care professionals,” he observed.

The DG also highlighted investment in equipment for neonates as well as medical supplies.

He appealed to health facilities to use the equipment judiciously to derive maximum benefit from the investment.

“Judicious use is paramount in maximizing the gains derived from the investment,” he concluded.

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Director General of health Dr. Patrick Amoth and ministry of health officials during the official opening of the 25th Kenya Paediatric Association Annual Scientific Conference in Shanzu, Mombasa. PHOTO/ MoH