Government urged to address shortage of midwives on Global Day
Kenya is facing a severe shortage of midwives, with health experts urging urgent government action to address staffing gaps that are driving burnout and maternal health risks...
✨ Key Highlights
On International Midwives Day, a critical shortage of midwives and nurses in Kenya has been highlighted, with calls for urgent government intervention.
- The Midwives Association of Kenya reports over 50% shortages in many sub-county hospitals.
- This shortfall, exacerbated by emigration, leads to increased maternal mortality and compromised care for women.
- The World Health Organisation recommends 25 nurses/midwives per 10,000 people, a target Kenya is significantly below.
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Part of the Day's Coverage
Health PS Muthoni Elected Chair of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health - May 2026
Kenya's Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health during a high-level meeting in Brazzaville focused on cross-border health security. Healthcare workers in Kenya are experiencing alarmingly high rates of burnout, characterized by profound physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to chronic workplace stress, negatively impacting patient care. On International Midwives Day, a critical shortage of midwives and nurses in Kenya was highlighted, with calls for urgent government intervention. Kenya, in collaboration with KEMRI, has also launched the TRACE project to investigate the impact of aflatoxins on child health, exacerbated by climate change.
