First baby born at MaterCare International’s newly built maternity hospital
Isiolo, Kenya, June 21 – On June 18th, the first baby was delivered at the newly built MaterCare Maternity Hospital in Isiolo, Kenya. The first antenatal mother, a 29 year old named Sarah, was admitted June 17th due to a premature rupture of the membranes. After careful review by the doctor on staff, she was put on antibiotics and monitored closely by the hospital midwives, and at 10AM the doctor induced labour, which progressed well. The mother, Sarah, was happy and kept on the thanking the doctor and midwives for their care. At 8PM she was in the second stage of labour, though with poor contractions and a strong effort to push. The doctor was called to review her, and he encouraged her to push with a midwife assisting. At 9:05PM Sarah was delivered of her baby boy weighing 3.2kgs.
An excerpt from a letter by Sister Jacinta on Sarah’s delivery,
“Sarah was overjoyed and said a prayer to thank God for a son and especially for MaterCare International for the hospital [that serves] the community. She was also excited that earlier during labour, Bishop Anthony came by and blessed her. We are happy and thank God.”
In 2005, Canadian based non-profit group, MaterCare International (MCI), developed a Rural Essential Maternity Care project to work in partnership with the community of Isiolo, Kenya. The Isiolo district is uniquely affected by maternal mortality because of its nomadic population, the severity of the climate, poverty, poor roads, poor communication, and geographic isolation. These factors have resulted in neglect on the part of the authorities and most non-governmental organizations. On May 19, 2012, MaterCare International opened a much anticipated maternity hospital in Isiolo. Kenya’s President, H. E. Mwai Kibaki, conducted the official opening. The hospital began operating on June 14, 2013 and has already provided care for many pre and post natal patients.
MaterCare’s maternity hospital (pictured right) provides level 1 obstetrical service which includes normal care during pregnancy and delivery and treatment of most obstetric and medical complications. The hospital will assist in an estimated 1,500 births each year.
From September 18-22, 2013, MCI is hosting its 10th international conference to bring together leading medical experts and religious leaders to discuss maternal health. This year, we will be in Rome to commemorate the Year of Faith. The presentations at this year’s conference will centre on the theme, “Catholicism and Maternal Health Care”. If you would like to cover, attend, or participate in this amazing event, please contact us at Toll Free 1-888-579-6472 or info@matercare.org.
