April 7, 2025 is World Health Day and this year’s campaign focusses on maternal and newborn healthcare. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful
Futures” highlights the significance of maternal and newborn healthcare for individual babies and communities. Brighter Communities Worldwide is dedicated to providing all newborns with a healthy start and a promising future. Our Maternal and Newborn Healthcare Programme seeks to enhance critical health care services for mothers and infants by ensuring access to comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and reproductive healthcare services. Throughout Kericho County, communities in rural and remote areas face great challenges in accessing basic health services. This difficulty arises due to poor roads, tough terrain, and the long distance to health facilities. Outreach clinics bring health services closer to the communities, making it easier for everyone to get the care they need.
In 2024, we supported delivery of 235 outreach clinics serving 11,775 people. We provided immunizations, Vitamin A distribution, health checks for mothers and children, reproductive health advice, and malaria treatment and prevention. Educational courses were also conducted for Community Health Promotors (CHP) and other individuals involved in healthcare delivery. In 2024, 130 CHPs attended eight maternal and newborn healthcare courses. These courses aim to enhance access to health information and emphasize the significance of early detection of antenatal and postnatal danger signs. Pregnant women who receive antenatal care generally have better pregnancy outcomes. In 2024, we conducted 359 monitoring events, helping 268 women attend four ANC visits in five sub counties. We held 4 trainings for Community Health Assistants on maternal and newborn healthcare in four sub counties with 103 participants. Additionally, we held two training sessions for healthcare professionals: Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response with 12 attendees, and Non–Pneumatic-Antishock Garment with 41 attendees. Brighter Communities Worldwide supports the Maternal Health Shelter in Londiani Sub-County Hospital. For at-risk pregnant women who are close to term, the shelter provides a free and secure environment where skilled care close to and during delivery is accessible.
In 2024, the maternal health shelter saw a 235% increase in users, rising from 101 to 338 women. By prioritising healthy beginnings, we aim to improve the well-
being of both infants and mothers, laying the foundation for resilient communities. Each healthy birth is a step towards a brighter future, where families thrive, and individuals have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Protecting the health of future generations supports sustainable development within communities empowering them to face future challenges and anticipate a hopeful future.
