NAIROBI – President William Ruto has hailed Kenya’s Universal Healthcare Programme (UHP) as a transformative initiative that has elevated the nation’s global standing while significantly improving maternal health.
He was speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday.
President Ruto emphasized the programme’s impact on women and girls.
“Kenya’s ambitious universal healthcare programme has raised our status as a respected member in the community of nations. It has enhanced services accessible to girls and women, bringing relief to citizens previously without medical cover,” he said.
The UHP has made notable strides in maternal health, reducing Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio from 510 per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 342 in 2023.
Through initiatives like Linda Mama, expectant mothers access free maternity services, increasing hospital deliveries and skilled birth attendance to over 80% in urban areas.
The programme has also expanded antenatal care, with 70% of pregnant women now attending four or more visits, and boosted family planning access, with contraceptive use at 65%.
Emergency obstetric care and referral systems have further reduced complications like postpartum hemorrhage.
Despite these gains, challenges remain, including shortages of skilled health workers in rural areas and inconsistent medical supplies.
The government plans to address these by training more midwives, leveraging mobile health technologies, and strengthening community health networks.
President Ruto expressed Kenya’s eagerness to share its experiences and learn from other nations, stating, “We are ready to share lessons learnt and keen to learn from others’ experiences.”
Dr. Kanem praised Kenya’s progress, noting its maternal health achievements as a model for Africa.
Kenya has continued to refine the UHP, cementing its role as a leader in equitable healthcare, aligning with global health goals and fostering healthier communities.
