Kirinyaga Halves Newborn Deaths as Breastfeeding Programme Pays Off
Kirinyaga County in Kenya has significantly reduced newborn mortality rates by implementing the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative and promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Local officials credit these health policies and increased skilled attendance at births for the improved survival outcomes.
Why it matters
The success of this public health initiative serves as a model for reducing neonatal mortality in developing regions through community-based interventions.
Kirinyaga County: Kirinyaga County has recorded a major improvement in newborn survival, with neonatal mortality dropping from 26 deaths per 1,000 live births to 10 — well below the national average of 21 and the global benchmark of 17.2.
County health officials attribute the gains to the full implementation of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) , which enforces exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, alongside strong maternal and newborn care policies.
Speaking during a World Breastfeeding Week awareness walk in Kerugoya town, Director of Public Health Dr. Peter Irungu described breast milk as a child’s “first vaccine,” stressing its role in boosting immunity and protecting infants from disease from birth.
“Breastfeeding strengthens immunity, supports healthy growth and gives children the best possible start in life,” Dr. Irungu said, while urging parents to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery and continue up to two years alongside complementary feeding.
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