By Fredrick Odhiambo, Program Officer – Health, Water, and Sanitation.

As we observe World Health Day on April 7, 2025, under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” it is crucial to recognize the legal frameworks that safeguard maternal and child health as fundamental human rights. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including reproductive health care (Article 43), and ensures that every child has access to basic nutrition, shelter and health care (Article 53). Globally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirms that motherhood and childhood deserve special care, while the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) calls for reducing infant mortality and promoting child health. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) reinforces every child’s right to healthcare, while the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) mandates equal access to healthcare for women, including family planning. These frameworks reflect a shared commitment to ensuring the well-being of mothers and children, emphasizing that maternal and child health is not just a service but a fundamental right.

Maternal and Child Health Statistics

Despite strong legal frameworks, maternal and child health remains a critical challenge globally and in Kenya. Each year, 287,000 women die from pregnancy-related complications, 4.9 million children die before age five, and 1.9 million stillbirths occur (WHO). In Kenya, while progress has been made, 15 of 47 counties account for 99% of maternal deaths, revealing stark regional disparities. Key challenges include health financing gaps, with high out-of-pocket costs limiting access, and governance inefficiencies that weaken service delivery. Additionally, shortages of skilled health personnel and well-equipped facilities in rural areas delay emergency care, while frequent stockouts of essential maternal and child health supplies further hinder services. Poor infrastructure and transport networks worsen accessibility, especially in marginalized communities. Devolution has improved healthcare access at the county level, but disparities in funding and governance persist, requiring stronger inter-county collaboration and increased health budget allocations to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

Hakijamii’s Role in Promoting Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

Hakijamii plays a crucial role in advocating for Economic, Social, and Cultural (ESC) Rights to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), particularly in marginalized communities. We recognize that health outcomes are influenced not just by medical care but also by social determinants such as housing, education, water, and sanitation (WASH). These factors are central to our mandate, as they significantly impact the well-being of mothers and children in informal settlements, arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), and other underserved regions. Through legal and policy advocacy, community empowerment, and accountability mechanisms, we work to ensure that ESC rights are upheld and integrated into national and county health policies.

Recognizing that health is shaped by social conditions, Hakijamii focuses on improving housing, education, and WASH to enhance maternal and child health. Poor housing conditions, including overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, expose pregnant women and newborns to respiratory infections and maternal stress. We advocate for safe and adequate housing policies and work with communities to prevent forced evictions that disproportionately affect pregnant women in informal settlements. Education also plays a vital role in maternal and child well-being, as educated mothers are more likely to seek antenatal care, ensure child nutrition, and reduce unintended pregnancies. We support gender-responsive education policies and promote comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to prevent teenage pregnancies. Additionally, inadequate WASH services increase the risk of maternal and neonatal infections, diarrheal diseases, and menstrual health challenges. Hakijamii advocates for clean water access in maternal health facilities, gender-responsive sanitation policies, and improved water governance to enhance health outcomes.

Hakijamii prioritizes community participation and policy advocacy to ensure marginalized voices are heard in decisions affecting maternal and child health. We empower communities to demand better health services, hold county governments accountable for maternal health care delivery, and advocate for increased budget allocations for MNCH, particularly in ASAL regions and informal settlements. By strengthening community engagement and advocating for integrated health and social protection programs, Hakijamii aims to create lasting improvements in maternal and child health, ensuring that every mother and child has access to the essential services they need to thrive.

Conclusion

As we commemorate World Health Day 2025, it’s crucial to reaffirm our commitment to the legal and moral obligations that uphold maternal and child health rights. By addressing systemic challenges, promoting equitable access to health services, and supporting organizations like Hakijamii, we can move closer to a future where every mother and child not only survives but thrives.