MOMBASA, Kenya—The Mombasa County Government is set to launch a comprehensive nutrition support programme for expectant mothers as part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the county.
Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir announced the initiative following the county’s recent investments in the digitisation of healthcare services, a move expected to enhance the identification, monitoring and support of pregnant women through public health facilities.
The programme will provide nutritious meals and dietary support to expectant mothers, targeting one of the key factors that contribute to pregnancy-related complications and poor birth outcomes. County health officials say the initiative is designed to promote healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries and improved wellbeing for both mothers and their babies.
According to the county government, the programme will utilise Mombasa’s digitised healthcare system to identify beneficiaries, track maternal health indicators and ensure efficient delivery of services across health facilities.
Maternal nutrition remains a critical component of healthcare, with health experts linking proper nutrition during pregnancy to reduced risks of maternal complications, low birth weight and infant mortality. Adequate nutrition also plays a key role in supporting fetal development and improving long-term health outcomes for children.
Governor Nassir has in recent years prioritised reforms in the health sector, including the modernisation and digitisation of healthcare services aimed at improving efficiency, patient management and access to care. The county has increasingly embraced technology-driven solutions to strengthen service delivery and improve health outcomes.
The planned nutrition support programme is expected to complement ongoing maternal and child health interventions already being implemented across the county. Health officials believe the initiative will particularly benefit vulnerable families who often struggle to meet the nutritional requirements associated with pregnancy.
The move comes at a time when counties across Kenya are exploring innovative approaches to improve maternal healthcare and reduce preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. Access to quality prenatal care, proper nutrition and regular health monitoring remain central pillars in efforts to achieve better maternal health outcomes.
County officials say details regarding eligibility, enrolment and implementation mechanisms will be announced during the official launch of the programme.
Once rolled out, the initiative is expected to strengthen Mombasa’s healthcare system further and reinforce the county’s commitment to preventive healthcare, social protection and improved quality of life for residents.
The programme also reflects a growing recognition that investing in maternal health is not only a healthcare priority but also a long-term investment in healthier families and stronger communities.
