Nairobi: Narok County Government has welcomed Safaricom Foundation's plan to construct six maternity wards under the Uzazi Salama Programme at Chepalungu Hospital, Ololulung'a Ward in Narok South worth Sh300 million. Speaking during the foundation stone laying event, Safaricom Foundation board chairman Michael Joseph said the maternity facility will significantly ease the challenges faced by expectant mothers who have to travel long distances to access childbirth services and maternal child health services.

According to Kenya News Agency, Michael Joseph highlighted the difficulties women have faced for years, often trekking long distances and sometimes crossing into neighboring sub-counties to seek maternity services. He urged locals to utilize the new facilities and provide feedback to help improve services for the community. Joseph emphasized that the project is expected to substantially reduce infant mortality rates and stressed the importance of regular antenatal and postnatal visits to avoid loss of life.

County Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu expressed support for the development, inviting both local and foreign development partners to implement social projects that would benefit the community. Ntutu noted that the initiative would ease the financial burden on families and improve access to quality healthcare for mothers and children under five years of age. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the facility once operational to address healthcare challenges promptly.

This initiative marks a significant milestone for the Narok County Government, as it will bolster the health infrastructure in the area. Residents will have access to a range of healthcare services, including reproductive health, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health, among others.