09/07/2026
Siaya County, Partners Align Efforts to Improve Newborn Survival.
The Siaya County Government, through the Department of Health, has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing neonatal deaths by bringing together development partners and key stakeholders to harmonize interventions aimed at improving newborn survival across the county.
The strategic engagement brought together the County Health Management Team (CHMT), Jhpiego, and the Health Environment Research Association (HERA) to align priorities and develop a coordinated roadmap for maternal and newborn health through 2027.
Recognizing that the first 48 hours after birth are the most critical for newborn survival, the county adopted the Smart Start nurturing care initiative to strengthen the continuum of care from the community to health facilities. The initiative will enhance collaboration between Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and health facilities, ensuring newborns identified in the community receive timely follow-up, referral, and clinical care. Community-collected postnatal data will be linked to health facilities within 45 hours to facilitate prompt intervention.
Partners also committed to scaling up Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for premature and low-birth-weight babies while strengthening the capacity of frontline health workers through training and mentorship. So far, 20 healthcare workers and 20 Community Health Promoters have been trained under the HERA and Matibabu programmes to improve postnatal and community-based newborn care.
The meeting reviewed progress in newborn health, identified existing gaps, and agreed on shared priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year. Stakeholders also resolved to develop a comprehensive partner resource and financing map to improve coordination, eliminate duplication, and align investments with county priorities.
Additionally, participants endorsed a joint advocacy agenda involving the county government, development partners, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to strengthen accountability and mobilize sustainable investment in newborn health. Weekly county-wide learning webinars will also be introduced to monitor progress, promote knowledge sharing, and track implementation of agreed interventions.
By synchronizing partner efforts under a shared annual work plan, Siaya County is strengthening coordination between community and facility-based care, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring every mother and newborn has access to timely, quality, and life-saving healthcare services.
Jhpiego
