The Relationship between Distance and Availability of Material Resources for Basic Emergency Obstetric Care in Primary Health Care Facilities in Homabay and Siaya Counties, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, pregnancy and childbirth complications are among the leading causes of mortality among women, with an estimated 488 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births which is well above the millennium development goal (MDG) target of 147 per 100,000 by 2015. The perinatal mortality rate stands at 37/1000 live births. Nyanza region is among the county’s leading with high MMR at 670/100,000 live births (KDHS, 2009) which is higher than the national average. The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between distance of primary health care facilities from the distribution point and the availability of material resources for basic emergency obstetric care (BEmOC) in Siaya and Homabay counties in Kenya. Various studies have been conducted focusing on distance from the community to the health facility as a contributor to increased rates of maternal mortality and complications. A literature gap exists thus motivating the author to consider other possible causes including relationship between distance and availability of material resources in primary health care facilities from their point of distribution in-order to provide an understanding of the extent to which these factors affect the quality provision of basic emergency obstetric care towards reduction of maternal mortality and disability. The availability of material resources for basic EmOC is important in reducing maternal death and improving women’s health in general. This can be achieved if primary health care facilities have equipment, supplies and drugs available. With the current initiative of beyond zero campaign by the first lady in Kenya on reducing maternal deaths, efforts should be made to ensure that these material resources are adequately available and accessible to women when they need them irrespective of the distance of health facilities from the distribution point. However, adequate drug financing from the government, flexible and supportive drug policies should be in place to achieve this goal.

Keywords: Kenya-Maternal Health-Basic Emergency Obstetric Care-Life saving-Primary Health Care.