The road to care is paved at last
February 21, 2018
The risk of a mother or an infant dying can be significantly reduced by a continuum of basic care, which should include a skilled attendant (traditional birth attendent or “TBA”) during childbirth with access to the necessary equipment, drugs, and other supplies for effective management of any pregnancy-related complications. MaterCare’s St. John Paul II Maternity Hospital in Isiolo, Kenya delivers this care.
However, many women and families spend excessive time trying to even reach a health facility with the capacity to treat obstetric or infant complications.
It is estimated that 75 percent of maternal deaths might be prevented through timely access to essential emergency childbirth-related care.
For this reason, we are happy to report that the road to the St. John Paul II MaterCare Maternity Hospital is now paved and secure.
“Back in 2010 and 2011 when we were constructing the hospital, squatters took up residence at the beginning of the rough road to the hospital and were digging deep pits for the hard rock which they would break into smaller crushed stone to sell. These deep pits became dangerous for anyone traveling the road, especially for our ambulance at night and during the rainy season. We protested to local government many times, and the local women marched through Isiolo town to protest. The President of Kenya promised in 2012 during the opening of the hospital to tarmac this road. It is now finally complete. It takes about 30 seconds to travel now where before it may have taken 10 minutes. That 9 minutes makes a huge difference during an obstetrical crisis.” Project Manager, Simon Walley.
The road also has street lights, increasing security for anyone traveling late at night including mothers, family and staff.
