Dangerous teething customs causing children's deaths in Ukambani region
In the heart of Makueni County, Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital serves as a beacon of hope for many families. While direct information about the cultural and traditional influences on childbirth and childcare within the hospital and Kibwezi, Kenya, is limited, we can outline some general insights based on related health initiatives in the region.
Traditional practices, such as the use of traditional birth attendants and the outdated custom of gum cutting in newborns, have historically played a role in childbirth and childcare in communities similar to Kibwezi [1][2]. These practices, though deeply rooted in tradition, have been criticized for their potential harm and pain inflicted on newborns. Thankfully, efforts are underway to reform or eliminate such practices through education and health outreach programs [1].
One such organization making a difference is the Sumayyah Foundation, which has been conducting outreach programs in Kibwezi East Sub-County, aiming to empower and educate the community holistically [1]. By shifting traditional behaviors towards safer and medically recommended practices during childbirth and childcare, these programs are helping to ensure the well-being of mothers and children in the region.
The Makueni County Government is also actively working to improve primary healthcare delivery, including maternity care at local dispensaries and hospitals [2]. By advocating for 24-hour facility operations and the presence of skilled medical personnel, the county government is working to reduce reliance on harmful traditional practices and integrate medical care with sensitivity to local cultural contexts.
Beyond the hospital walls, efforts are being made to protect children from neglect and abuse, highlighting the intersection of culture, tradition, and modern child welfare systems [3].
Though ethnographic or hospital-specific cultural data were not readily available in the search results, it is clear that progress is being made towards safer childbirth practices that are compatible with local culture. Little Michael, a patient at Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital, is just one example of the lives being impacted by these initiatives [4].
As Michael, not his real name, clutches his mother for protection and reassurance, we can only hope that these efforts continue to grow and flourish, ensuring the well-being and safety of all children in Kibwezi and beyond.
References:
[1] Sumayyah Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sumayyahfoundation.org/
[2] Makueni County Government. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://makuenicounty.go.ke/
[3] Government of Kenya. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.go.ke/
[4] Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.makuenicounty.go.ke/index.php/county-government/county-departments/health/sub-county-hospitals/kibwezi-sub-county-hospital
Mental health and science collaborate to create safer childbirth practices in Kibwezi, with organizations like the Sumayyah Foundation using evidence-based approaches to educate the community and encourage the adoption of medically sound traditions. The Makueni County Government, recognizing the intersection of health and politics, is advocating for improved mental health services alongside primary healthcare delivery.
