Anaemia in pregnancy remains a pressing maternal health challenge in Kenya mirroring broader trends across Africa as health officials and clinicians urge stronger action to protect mothers and their unborn children.
According to national health data, anaemia affects an estimated over 40 per cent of pregnant women in Kenya, a figure that has raised concern among public health authorities and maternal health advocates. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies notably iron deficiency contribute to this burden, undermining the health of expectant mothers and increasing risks during childbirth.
“Anaemia in pregnancy continues to be a major obstetric problem in Kenya,” a Ministry of Health guideline on clinical care states, noting that severe anaemia can lead to premature labour, miscarriage, or even endanger a mother’s life if untreated.
Local clinicians point to gaps in preventive care and community awareness. Dr. Prislar Kashero, paediatrician and medical superintendent at Mariakani Hospital, emphasised the life‑saving role of antenatal support:
“By offering iron tablets to all pregnant women, we can contribute towards giving every baby a fair and equal chance,” she said, highlighting routine iron supplementation as critical to reducing anaemia‑related complications.
Health workers across Kenya have also stressed the importance of early detection through antenatal care (ANC). A maternal health specialist in Nairobi noted that many women arrive at labour with undiagnosed anaemia due to irregular attendance of ANC services.
“Undiagnosed anaemia increases the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Kenya,” the expert said, underscoring the need for regular checkups and haemoglobin screening during pregnancy.
The World Health Organization has similarly warned that maternal anaemia is associated with poor outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and higher maternal mortality echoing concerns raised in Kenya’s health sector. These global targets aim to halve anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age by 2025.
Nutritionists and public health advocates maintain that dietary improvements alongside supplementation are essential. The Ministry of Health’s guidelines recommend iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, and malaria prevention common causes of anaemia in pregnancy in Kenya to improve haemoglobin levels and maternal wellbeing.
As Kenya grapples with persistent anaemia rates among expectant mothers, the message from health leaders is clear: early antenatal care, proper nutrition and adherence to prescribed supplements are critical to safeguarding maternal and neonatal health.