Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Debora M. Barasa has urged urgent efforts to address Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya.
Speaking at the inaugural EndPPH Run, organized by the University of Nairobi, Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), and the Midwives Association of Kenya (MAK), Dr. Barasa stressed the importance of early detection and timely care in preventing PPH-related deaths.
“We must act now to stop preventable deaths caused by PPH. With early intervention, lives can be saved,” Dr. Barasa said.
Postpartum Hemorrhage accounts for 25-45 per cent of maternal deaths in Kenya, and while progress has been made, more needs to be done—especially in hotspot counties.
The event, themed “Run for Her! Together Against the Number One Killer of New Mums,” aimed to raise awareness and rally support to end maternal deaths caused by Postpartum Hemorrhage.
Dr Barasa highlighted initiatives like the enhanced Linda Mama package under the Social Health Authority as vital to improving maternal care access.
Hundreds of participants, including healthcare professionals, advocates, and prominent leaders like former Chief Justice David Maraga and Olympian Faith Kipyegon, joined the event in solidarity to fight Postpartum Hemorrhage.
Postpartum haemorrhage (also called PPH) is when a woman has heavy bleeding after giving birth. It’s a serious but rare condition. It usually happens within 1 day of giving birth, but it can happen up to 12 weeks after having a baby.
