Kenya receives $1.1mn grant to boost maternal health and childcare

Kenya has been grappling with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with about 340 maternal deaths for every 100,000 people as of 2017. The situation is even more dire in Kisumu County, where the rate is close to 600 deaths per 100,000 people. In light of these alarming statistics, Ilara Health, a healthcare technology company, has received a $1.1 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address the issue head-on. Maximilian Mancini, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Ilara Health, shared insights into how the grant will be utilized to reduce maternal deaths in Kenya. The focus will be on leveraging technology, particularly point-of-care diagnostics, to bring essential healthcare services to primary care facilities in the country. By partnering with manufacturers that specialize in compact and portable diagnostic devices, Ilara Health aims to bridge the gap in accessing critical medical tests, particularly in underserved regions. The grant will enable Ilara Health to enhance its maternal health initiatives in Kisumu County, where the company plans to work closely with local healthcare authorities to develop a technology platform that facilitates antenatal care at community-based facilities. This strategic approach is crucial, especially in the current COVID-19 landscape, where many expectant mothers are avoiding larger healthcare facilities due to fear of infection. By decentralizing point-of-care diagnostics and integrating technology solutions, Ilara Health seeks to ensure continuity of maternal care and improve healthcare outcomes in the region. One of the key challenges in maternal healthcare in Kenya lies in the lack of infrastructure and educational initiatives. Ilara Health's approach involves not only enhancing healthcare facilities within communities but also focusing on educating expectant mothers on the importance of regular antenatal visits. By streamlining healthcare systems and promoting maternal health education, the company aims to increase accessibility and coverage of vital healthcare services across the country. Ilara Health's current project targets 20 small primary care facilities in Kisumu County, with a long-term goal of expanding its innovative interventions to a more extensive network of healthcare providers in Kenya. The company's overarching objective is to revolutionize the delivery of maternal care within existing primary care infrastructure and set new standards for maternal health in the country. While there have been efforts by the public sector and NGOs to raise awareness about maternal healthcare through initiatives like 'Linda Mama,' there is still a significant need to educate and inform the maternal population about the importance of seeking healthcare services. Ilara Health's previous initiatives, such as providing ultrasounds at medical camps, have highlighted the lack of awareness and understanding among mothers regarding essential medical technologies. Despite progress, there is a consensus that more advocacy, education, and awareness campaigns are essential to drive significant changes in maternal health outcomes in Kenya. Maximilian Mancini acknowledges the progress made in raising awareness but emphasizes that there is still a long way to go in terms of educating the wider population about maternal health.