Bungoma Children’s Hospital is set to expand its range of healthcare services by introducing maternity services starting January, a move that is expected to significantly improve access to quality maternal and neonatal care for families in Bungoma County and the wider Western region.

Speaking during an interview, the hospital’s Director, Dr. Dickens Lubanga, said the new maternity wing is part of the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate and patient centred healthcare services under one roof.

“Our goal is to offer compassionate care, dedicated support and expert medical services to every patient. We want mothers and children to receive care that builds trust, provides comfort and promotes complete healing,” Dr. Lubanga said.

He noted that the introduction of maternity services will complement the hospital’s existing child focused healthcare model, ensuring continuity of care from pregnancy through childbirth and early childhood.

According to Dr. Lubanga, the hospital has invested in modern medical equipment and skilled personnel to ensure expectant mothers receive safe deliveries and quality postnatal care.

He added that the facility is keen on reducing maternal and neonatal complications by offering timely, professional and accessible services.

Speaking in Nairobi on June, 17, 2025 during the official launch of a three day co- creation workshop on maternal and neonatal health, medical services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga called for stronger, sustainable partnerships and collaboration to improve maternal and neonatal health services across the country, citing the need to reduce preventable deaths.

Dr. Oluga noted that despite significant efforts by the government, maternal mortality in Kenya remains unacceptably high.

“I know when it comes to deaths, we should not compare ourselves, but we are doing horribly bad compared to our neighbours,” he remarked.

According to the 2024 USAID report on Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths, Kenya’s maternal mortality rate stands at 594 deaths per 100,000 live births far from the SDG target of 70 per 100,000 by 2030.

“With the maternity services in place, mothers will be able to access antenatal, delivery and postnatal care within a facility that already specializes in newborn and child health. This integration will greatly enhance outcomes for both mothers and babies,” he explained.

Bungoma Children’s Hospital currently offers a wide range of specialized medical services aimed at addressing the diverse healthcare needs of children.

These include routine immunization using both government-supplied and baby-friendly vaccines, as well as daily sick child clinics that handle common and acute childhood illnesses.

The hospital also runs chronic disease clinics catering for conditions such as sickle cell disease, diabetes, dermatological conditions, allergies and asthma.

Dr. Lubanga said these clinics are designed to provide long-term care, monitoring and education to help patients and caregivers manage chronic conditions effectively.

Emergency care remains a key pillar of the facility, with dedicated children’s emergency services and a fully equipped theatre for surgical procedures.

The hospital also operates an exclusive newborn unit that provides specialized care for premature and critically ill infants.

In addition, Bungoma Children’s Hospital offers rehabilitative services including occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy to support children with developmental delays or physical challenges.

Other specialized services available at the facility include Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care and cardiology services.

Dr. Lubanga emphasized that the hospital’s expansion aligns with national and county efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and reduce preventable maternal and child deaths.

“As a hospital, we are committed to supporting the county’s healthcare agenda by expanding access to quality services. The introduction of maternity services is a major milestone in ensuring families no longer have to travel long distances to receive specialized maternal and child healthcare,” he said.

He urged residents to take advantage of the expanded services once the maternity unit becomes operational in January, reaffirming the hospital’s mission to deliver holistic, affordable and high-quality healthcare to the community.