The County Government of Turkana, in partnership with the Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation, has unveiled a new Maternal and Newborn Health Block at Lopiding Sub-County Hospital, marking a major boost for maternal and child health services in the region.
The KSh 49 million facility, funded by the M-Pesa Foundation, is expected to directly benefit at least 14,889 residents of Nanam, Songot, and Lokichoggio Wards.
The wider catchment population of 68,000 people in Lokichoggio Sub-County, as well as communities from neighbouring South Sudan, will also gain from the upgraded services.
The new block was officially launched by the County Executive for Health and Sanitation, Dr Epem Joseph Esekon, during a handover ceremony led by Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu.
Speaking at the event, county and foundation representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening healthcare access for vulnerable mothers and children.
As part of the launch, the County Government and the M-Pesa Foundation organised a free medical camp that offered essential healthcare services to hundreds of residents.
Hospital data shows an average of 52 monthly deliveries, translating to about 621 births annually.
The facility is also expected to support routine immunisation and newborn care for at least 2,100 children under five and 585 infants under one year.
Equipped with modern amenities, the new Maternal and Newborn Health Block features air-conditioning, CCTV surveillance, a nursing station, a triage area, two consultation rooms, and separate delivery and labour rooms.
The newborn unit is fitted with incubators, a phototherapy machine, resuscitators, a neonatal monitor, and an N-CPAP machine.
Mothers will also benefit from a dedicated Kangaroo Mother Care room with 10 baby cots, alongside a 10-bed antenatal and 10-bed postnatal ward.
Additional support facilities include a reception and waiting bay, staff washrooms and changing rooms, a kitchen, storage spaces, and a cold room.
County officials noted that the investment is a step toward improving safe deliveries, reducing maternal and newborn mortality, and expanding access to quality healthcare services in Turkana West.