Trans Nzoia Health Department Prepares for Malezi Bora Initiative to Boost Maternal and Child Health
The Department of Health and Sanitation in Trans Nzoia County held a planning meeting today to prepare for the upcoming Malezi Bora initiative, a two-week program aimed at improving health services for mothers and children.
The initiative, scheduled for its second phase this year, will begin in the coming weeks and focuses on increasing the utilization of maternal and child health services across the county.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting that brought together members from the health and education sectors, Trans Nzoia County Health Nutritionist Coordinator Lydia Kimani emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“Malezi Bora is an initiative that was started by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to improve health services for mothers and children. It aims to ensure that pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five years old receive the care they need,” Kimani said.
The services provided during the Malezi Bora week include a range of maternal health interventions, such as weight monitoring, tetanus vaccinations, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of infections, postpartum care, and family planning.
“Weight monitoring is crucial to ensure mothers gain weight accordingly, allowing them to deliver healthy, full-term babies. We also focus on preventing maternal mortality and promoting overall health during pregnancy,” Kimani added.
For children under five, services include growth monitoring, immunization, Vitamin A supplementation, and deworming. Kimani stressed the significance of these efforts in improving children’s health outcomes.
“During Malezi Bora week, we urge mothers and children to visit our health facilities. The services we offer are critical in reducing mortality rates among women and children. Our goal is to ensure every child celebrates their fifth birthday and grows up healthy and strong,” she said.
The initiative also includes outreach programs for hard-to-reach areas. Health workers will visit Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers, primary schools, and households to provide Vitamin A supplements, deworming treatments, and nutritional guidance.
“Vitamin A supplementation is especially important because it boosts a child’s immunity, supports physical growth, and prevents severe diseases like anemia and blindness,” Kimani explained. “Some children go blind due to Vitamin A deficiency, which is why we emphasize the need for this capsule.”
The Malezi Bora program is being supported by partners, including the Hellen Keller Foundation and USAID AMPATH Uzima, who are working closely with the county health department to ensure the success of the initiative.
Kimani further urged parents and pregnant women to take advantage of the health services available at facilities across the county.
“It’s crucial for expectant mothers to attend clinics and for children to receive Vitamin A supplements to boost their immunity. We are committed to reaching every child and ensuring they get the care they deserve,” she said.
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