THE NAIROBI HOSPITAL HOSTS FREE TRAINING ON SAFE MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE

Nicodemus Odongo,  Director of Strategy and Innovation, speaking at the Mommy, Daddy and Baby Fair at The Nairobi Hospital.

By: Glad Tv Kenya reporter 

In a bold step towards advancing maternal and child health, The Nairobi Hospital hosted its much-anticipated “Daddy, Mommy and Baby Fair,” a free training event that attracted more than 300 participants, including mothers, expectant mothers, fathers, and nannies.

The fair created an interactive learning environment covering pregnancy journeys and birth options, labour and delivery myths versus facts, lactation and nutrition for mothers, immunization essentials, and nanny training. Families engaged directly with healthcare professionals, gaining insights into both clinical guidance and everyday childcare practices.

“Maternal health is not just a medical issue but a societal imperative,” emphasized Nicodemus Odongo, Director of Strategy and Innovation at The Nairobi Hospital. “We cannot reduce maternal mortality without confronting the myths, fears, and inequalities that surround childbirth. Every conversation we spark, every myth we dispel, brings us closer to a future where no woman dies giving life.”

His remarks resonated with many parents present. Mary Atieno, a first-time expectant mother who attended with her husband, said:

“I had so many fears about caesarean sections, but today I learned they can be life-saving. Hearing directly from doctors has given me confidence to approach childbirth with an open mind.”

For fathers too, the event was eye-opening. James Mwangi, a young father of two, reflected:

“Most times, men are left out of these conversations. Today, I feel empowered to support my wife and even correct misinformation when I hear it in my community.”

Dr. Sylvia Mruttu, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the hospital, stressed the importance of preconception counseling and routine antenatal visits:
“Pregnant women should have at least four antenatal visits during their pregnancy. The visits are important to diagnose the mother if she has any conditions or assess her to determine whether she is at risk for anything and implement preventive measures in good time.”

Nannies who attended the training also hailed the hospital’s inclusive approach. Grace Njeri, a caregiver, noted:

“We are usually left behind in these conversations, yet we spend the most time with babies. Now I know how to handle immunization schedules, feeding, and emergencies. I feel more trusted and capable.”

Organizers hinted at making the fair an annual event and extending its reach into counties, in collaboration with government and private partners, to amplify impact.

The Nairobi Hospital’s “Daddy, Mommy and Baby Fair” demonstrates how combining community education with cutting-edge hospital innovations can strengthen Kenya’s fight against maternal and newborn deaths. By giving families the knowledge to make informed decisions and empowering fathers and nannies to take active roles, the hospital continues to redefine maternal healthcare as a shared responsibility, not just a women’s issue.